The reference library dedicated to Abdul Karim Sahityavisharad (1871-1953) stands as a tribute to his remarkable legacy as a distinguished litterateur, historian, and devoted collector of early Bangla manuscripts (puthis). Born in Suchakradandi, Chittagong, Sahityavisharad’s career included significant roles as an educator and, subsequently, Divisional Inspector of Schools, from which he retired in 1934. His scholarly pursuits focused on illuminating the contributions of Muslim writers to medieval Bangla literature, resulting in an extensive catalog of manuscripts now housed at the Dhaka University Library, Chittagong University Library, and the Varendra Research Museum. His academic work encompasses the editing and publication of eleven Bangla texts and collaboration on Arakan Rajsabhaya Bangla Sahitya. Recognized by the Nadia Sahitya Sabha and Chattal Dharmamandali, he is most esteemed for his title, “Sahityavisharad.” For a more in-depth exploration of his life and work, we provide here an essay in Bengali written by Professor Ahmed Sharif (1921-1999), a crtic, philosopher and writer.
শিমুল বড়ুয়া ও রেবা বড়ুয়া সম্পাদিত, মনীষী আবদুল করিম সাহিত্যবিশারদ সার্ধশতজন্মবর্ষ স্মারকগ্রন্থ, ঢাকা: বলাকা, ২০২১
To gain a comprehensive understanding of museum science and to appreciate the lifetime contributions of a pioneering Bengali scholar, it is invaluable to study the life and works of Nalini Kanta Bhattasali, a foundational figure in museology in Bengal. Bhattasali’s expertise spanned history, archaeology, numismatics, epigraphy, and antiquarian studies, marking him as a multidimensional scholar dedicated to preserving and interpreting cultural heritage. An insightful essay on Bhattasali, authored by A.B.M. Habibullah, offers an in-depth look at his contributions and is featured in the Nalini Kanta Bhattasali Commemoration Volume, edited by Habibullah and published by the Dacca Museum in 1966. This essay is provided here for a detailed exploration of Bhattasali’s scholarly impact.
Collection of Rare Manuscripts in Different Languages
