Chandrika Prasad Jigyasu facts for kids

Chandrika Prasad 'Jigyasu' (born in the late 1800s, died 1974) was an important Indian writer and publisher. He was known for his strong ideas against the caste system and for publishing books related to Dalit literature. He used the pen name Jigyasu, which means "one who is curious."

Early Life and Education

Chandrika Prasad Jigyasu was born in Lucknow, India. His family belonged to the Kalwar caste, which was considered a low caste. His father, Jiya Lal, was well-educated and worked as a headmaster at a school.

Jigyasu learned English and Sanskrit in school. He also started learning Farsi. However, he had to stop his studies after Class 10 when his father passed away. Jigyasu was only 11 years old at the time.

As a young man, Jigyasu was inspired by the Arya Samaj, a group that wanted to reform Hinduism. He chose his pen name, Jigyasu, during this time.

At age 16, he wrote his first book about Maharana Pratap. Later, he worked as a translator and proof-reader for popular Hindi magazines and publishers in Lucknow.

Nationalist Writings and Publishing

Jigyasu was deeply inspired by the Indian independence movement. This was a big effort to free India from British rule. He started writing and publishing booklets that supported this movement.

He even started his own publishing house called Hindu Samaj Sudhar Karyalay. This name means "Hindu Society Reform Office."

Spreading Nationalist Ideas

Jigyasu printed booklets filled with patriotic songs and poems. One of his famous booklets was about Jawahar Lal Nehru, a leader of the Indian National Congress. This booklet, called Vir Javahar, was very popular. It sold 450,000 copies in just one year. The British government tried to ban it, but it was still widely read.

By 1931, his publishing house had released over 30 titles. These books were part of his "Hindu Social Reform Series." They included writings by Nehru and pamphlets about the Congress party, swadeshi (using Indian-made goods), and leaders like Mahatma Gandhi.

The British government raided Jigyasu's press five times. He was even sent to jail for several months because of his nationalist writings.

Adi Hindu Movement and Dalit Literature

In 1926, Jigyasu met Swami Achutanand. Achutanand was a leader who started the Adi Hindu movement. This movement was popular among people considered "untouchables" because it offered a different path than other Hindu reform groups.

Jigyasu also became influenced by Swami Bodhanand, a Buddhist leader. They wrote three books together. One important book was Mul Bharatvasi aur Arya ("The Original Inhabitants of India and the Aryans"). This book became very important for the Adi Hindu movement.

Connecting with Dalit Leaders

Bodhanand introduced Jigyasu to B.R. Ambedkar, a very important Dalit leader. Jigyasu became less interested in the Hindu reform movement. He changed the name of his publishing house to Bahujan Kalyan Prakashan. This means "Bahujan Welfare Press."

Jigyasu then wrote Bharat ke Adi-Nivasiyon ("The Original Inhabitants of India"). This book shared the history of the Dalit community in ancient India. It was based on the ideas of the Adi Hindu movement.

Key Works on Dalit History

The first part of his book, Srishti aur Manav-Samaj ka Vikas ("Universe and the Development of Human Society"), came out in 1938. The second part, Bharat ke Adi-Nivasiyon ki Sabhyata ("The Civilization of the Original Inhabitants of India"), was published later.

He also wrote several books about Ravidas, a famous poet-saint. These books presented Ravidas as an Adi Hindu saint. They reminded the Dalit community of their ancient heritage as original inhabitants of India.

Publishing for Dalit Rights

From the 1940s to the 1960s, Bahujan Kalyan Prakashan published many books in Hindi. These books covered various Dalit issues. They included works by Ambedkar, pamphlets about Buddhism, and writings on caste discrimination.

Jigyasu later focused on writing pamphlets about current Dalit issues. Some of these included:

• Bhartiye Ripablikan Parti Hi Kyon Avashyak Hai? (Why is the Republican Party of India Necessary?)
• Baba Saheb ki Bhavishya Vani ("The Prophesy of Baba Saheb")
• Baba Saheb ka Jivan Sangharsh ("Baba Saheb’s Life of Struggle")
• Baba Saheb ka Updesh-Adesh (Advice of Baba Saheb)

He also translated Ambedkar's important books into Hindi. These included Who Were the Shudras?, The Untouchables, and Annihilation of Caste.

Jigyasu mainly published small Hindi pamphlets by Dalit authors. These included songs, poems, plays, and articles about caste history. These pamphlets were shared at community gatherings and political events. He also wrote a biography of Swami Achutanand.

In 1973, Jigyasu published the ideas of Periyar, another important social reformer, in Hindi.

Legacy and Impact

Chandrika Prasad Jigyasu was one of the first Dalit writers and publishers in northern India. He ran his publishing business from his home in Lucknow for many years. He used his own money to support his publishing efforts.

His son, Brahmanand, and grandson, Avinash Kumar, continued his publishing business.

A scholar named R. S. Khare described Jigyasu as a "reformer, thinker, and critic." He said Jigyasu was a "rare intellectual bridge" who connected different ideas and times.

Jigyasu passed away in 1974, leaving behind a lasting impact on Indian literature and social reform.