THY HAND, GREAT ANARCH! India: 1921-1952. By Nirad C. Chaudhuri
Late Nirad Chaudhuri was a noted
Indophile. His life
story is nothing short of a film script .
Nirad babu was known to have soft corner for British culture but often condemned Indians for their obtuse practices. Thus, he was lauded abroad but disliked in India.
Many literary critics mistook his writing as nothing but Eurocentric approach!
One major reason was his obsession with English language and English way of life. As a result, he was conferred with C.B.E. but despised in his own native land.
Nirad C. Chaudhuri loved everything European. In other words, he was greatly fascinated by European way of life.
He confessed in his autobiographical work- autobiography of an unknown Indian about his life and travails. Chaudhuri was not a brilliant student. He failed his post graduation exams in history at Calcutta University. He also lost his job as a clerk in military accounts department.
Thy Hand ,Great Anarch is often criticized by Indian literary critics for its intense opposition to Indian nationalism. Many critics point out that Nirad Chaudhury treated himself as a Bengali intellectual thus he showed his angst against Indian civilization.
He believed that everything about British was right except that they did not allow Indians to participate in European way of life.
Nirad Chaudhuri believed that British did more to India in comparison of Gandhi and Nehru!
Critics point out that all Chaudhuri’s grouse is against decline of Bengali intellectualism.
He had been private secretary to Mr.Sarat Chandra Bose, a pro British but also an important leader.
Thus, he was much influenced by his mentor’s attitude.
They claim that Nirad Chaudhuri was pained at demise of Bengali leadership!
This is a precursor to ‘Autobiography of an unknown Indian’, which was accepted by west with open arms.
This book can be treated as a warning meted out by a noted scholar to incoming generation.
However, it should also be seen as an attempt by pro
imperialist against democratic deals!
The title -Thy hand oh Great Anarch- is inspired by Alexander pope’s famous poem, Dunciad