A.L. Basham
Arthur Llewellyn Basham, who is popularly known as A.L. Basham, (24 May 1914 – 27 January 1986) was a noted historian and indologist and author of a number of books. As a Professor at the School of Oriental and African Studies, London, in the 1950s and the 1960s, he taught a number of famous Indian historians, including Professors R.S. Sharma, Romila Thapar and V.S. Pathak.
Possibly, his most popular book is The Wonder That was India (Sidgwick & Jackson, London, 1954). Revised editions of the book were released in 1963 and then 1967. Rupa & Co, New Delhi brought out a paperback edition in 1981. Macmillan Publishers Ltd., London, brought out a paperback edition in 1985. By 2001, the paperback version was in its 37th edition. Amazon.com staff review/book description reads "most widely used introduction to Indian civilization. Although first published in 1954, it has remained a classic interpretation."In book he mention that "man can escape from' Law of Gravity' as well as 'passage of Time' but not from his deeds".
After retiring from Austalian National University (ANU) in 1979, Basham accepted a series of one-year visiting professorships with various universities. Basham was also appointed Swami Vivekananda Professor in Oriental Studies at the Asiatic Society of Calcutta in September 1985. But after a few months (27 January 1986), he breathed his last in Calcutta.
External Links
References
Back to Jat Historians