Professor Sukumar Sen was born in 1900 in Gotan, near Shyamsundar in the Purba Bardhaman district. He obtained an F.A. in 1919 from Burdwan Raj College, then affiliated with the University of Calcutta. He received a divisional scholarship and earned first class honours in Sanskrit from the Government Sanskrit College in 1921. He studied Comparative Linguistics in Kolkata, scoring the highest marks in 1923. He received a Premchand Roychand Scholarship and a PhD degree. He joined the University of Calcutta as a lecturer in 1930, where he served as a professor for thirty four years. He became the second Khaira Professor in the Department of Comparative Philology. His interests were in Bengali linguistics but he was also well versed in Pāli, Prakrit and Sanskrit. He died in 1992.
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The series contains correspondence regarding the conferment of the Medal; correspondence regarding purchase of the Medal; Newspaper cuttings; Correspondence from Dr Ahamad Hussain about applying to receive the Medal; and family correpsondence.
The material was divided into sub-series thus:
* RAS TGM/31/1 - Correspondence regarding Conferment of the Medal
* RAS TGM/31/2 - Correspondence regarding Purchase of the Medal
* RAS TGM/31/3 - Newspaper Cuttings
* RAS TGM/31/4 - Family Correspondence
* RAS TGM/31/5 - Correspondence with Dr Ahamad Hussain
In the Council Minutes for 13 October 1983 it was recorded that it was agreed that the President should nominate a Committee for the Gold Medal, this would be confirmed at the December meeting and they would be expected to report back in the February meeting. The Minutes for 8 December 1983 confirm that a Committee had been nominated. In the Minutes for 9 February 1984 the Council approved the Committee's selection of Professor Sukumar Sen of Calcutta. It was decided to ask him to become an Honorary Member and to ask the British High Commissioner in India to present the award.
In the Report of the Anniversary Meeting in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society, 1984, p. 265, it was recorded that the Society's Triennial Gold Medal had been awarded to Professor SuKumar Sen for his outstanding contribution to the study of Bengali language, literature and religion and of Sanskrit literature of eastern India. The British Deputy High Commissioner had presented the Medal in Calcutta on 22 August. Professor Sen was also elected an Honorary Member.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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This sub series contains correspondence regarding the choice of candidate for the Gold Medal and arrangement of its subsequent presentation.
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Letter from [D. J. Duncanson] to [Professor Sir Harold Bailey] in which he asks whether Professor Bailey would be willing to be part of an informal Committee along with Professors Charles Beckingham and William Watson for selection of a candidate for the Gold Medal. He advises upon the necessary qualifications for the award. Typed letter, dated 7 November 1983.
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Letter from Professor Sir Harold Bailey to President of Royal Asiatic Society to decline his invitation to join the Committee for the Selection of the Gold Medal. Handwritten with printed letterhead, dated 12 November 1983.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from [D.J. Duncanson] to Professor J.C. Wright to ask whether he would consider being part of a Committee for selection of the Gold Medal candidate alongside Professor Charles Beckingham and William Watson. Typed, dated 16 November 1983.
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Letter from Professor James Clifford Wright to Mr Duncanson to accept the invitation to join the Gold Medal Committee. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 22 November 1983.
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Compliment slip from Professor J.C. Wright to accompany the recommendation that Sukumar Sen is awarded the Gold Medal. There is a resumé of Professor Sen's achievements. Resumé, dated 8 December 1983.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, to Professor Sukumar Sen to inform him that the Society has awarded him the Gold Medal and to explain about its origins and purpose. Duncanson also invites the Professor to become an Honorary Fellow of the Society. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 13 February 1984. There is also a rough typed draft of this letter.
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Letter from Professor Sukumar Sen to Mr D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, to write that he was happy to learn that he had been honoured by the awarding of the Gold Medal and his nomination as an Honorary Member. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 22 February 1984.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from Mr D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, to Sir Robert Wade-Gery, High Commissioner for the United Kingdom, Delhi, to ask whether Sir Robert, or his Deputy, might be able to present the Gold Medal to Sukumar Sen. Duncanson sends a copy of the recipient's credentials (with the letter). Typed with printed letterhead, undated. Also a typed rough draft with annotations.
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Letter from Sukumar Sen to Mr D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, to send his signed form for Membership of the Royal Asiatic Society. Handwritten with printed letterhead, dated 2 May 1984. Also with this is the signed form. Printed material with handwritten insertions, dated 2 May 1984.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from Mr D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, to Professor Sukumar Sen to state that arrangements were being put in place for his presentation and to send a newspaper cutting concerning the award. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 16 May 1984. Also a handwritten undated draft.
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Letter from Sir Robert Wade-Gery, British High Commissioner, Delhi, to D.J. Duncanson, to thank him for his letter concerning Sukumar Sen's award. He will be out of India but has asked his Deputy, Mr A.V. Hayday, if he could undertake the presentation. He also writes concerning the sending of the Medal via the diplomatic bag. Typed letter with printed letterhead, dated 23 May 1984.
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Letter from Sir Robert Wade-Gery, British High Commissioner, Delhi, to to D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, to write that Mr Hayday had agreed to present the Medal and that Mr Hayday had suggested that the presentation take place at Professor Sen's home in view of his age and near total blindness. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 31 May 1984.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from D.J. Duncanson to Sir Robert Wade-Gery to thank him for his letter and to enclose a copy of his letter to Mr Hayday regarding the Presentation and to enclose a copy of the Daily telegraph report. Typed, dated 18 June 1984. Also handwritten rough draft.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from Mr D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, to A.V. Hayday, Deputy High Commissioner, Calcutta, to thank him for undertaking to present the Award. The Society is looking for a safe way to transport the Medal. He has also written to Dr. Chaudhuri of the Asiatic Society to tell him of arrangements. Typed, dated 19 June 1984. Also handwritten draft of this letter.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from Mr D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, to Dr Chandan Roy Chaudhuri, Secretary-General of The Asiatic Society, to inform him of the Award of the Gold Medal to Sukumar Sen and that the Deputy High Commissioner had agreed to present it. He is writing in case The Asiatic Society might like to be involved. Typed, dated 19 June 1984. Also handwritten draft.
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Letter from Dr Chandan Roy Chaudhuri, General Secretary of Asiatic Society, to Mr D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, to thank him for his letter and convey his appreciation of awarding Professor Sen in this way. He suggests that Mr Duncanson perhaps should be present at the Presentation and take the opportunity to also lecture at The Asiatic Society. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 25 July 1984.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Draft letters to Dr Gupta and Mr Williams, one of each side of the paper, concerning the conveying of the Gold Medal to India. Handwritten, undated.
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Letter from A.V. Hayday, Deputy High Commissioner, India, to Mr D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, in which he sends details of the Presentation of the Gold Medal to Sukumar Sen on 22 August at the British Council auditorium. He also includes a copy of the Programme, of his speech and of that of Dr Chaudhuri. All typed material, letter with printed letterhead, dated 23 August 1984.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from Mr D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, to Dr Chandan Roy Chaudhuri, Secretary-General of The Asiatic Society, to thank him for his letter which had unfortunately reached England after the Society's closure and therefore he had only received it the previous week. He regrets that he could not be at the presentation but thanks Dr Chaudhuri for his speech. He thanks him for his invitation to lecture but regrets that will not be possible. Typed, dated 9 September 1984.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from Mr D.J. Duncanson, President of Royal Asiatic Society, to Mr A.V. Hayday, Deputy High Commissioner, India, to thank him for his letter concerning the presentation of the Gold Medal. He thanks him for his help with the presentation. He asks that when Mr Hayday is next back in England to look him up so he may thank him properly. Typed, dated 10 September 1984.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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This sub-series contains the correspondence regarding the purchase of the Gold Medal.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Draft letter from Royal Asiatic Society to J.R. Gaunt & Son Ltd to ask them for estimates for the Medal in silver gilt and plated in gold. Handwritten, undated.
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Letter from J.R. Gaunt & Son Ltd. to Royal Asiatic Society to provide quotes for production of the Medal. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 20 April 1984.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from E.V. Gibson, Secretary of Royal Asiatic Society, to J.R. Gaunt & Son Ltd. to ask for the Medal to be struck from silver and hard gold plated. The letter informs of the necessary inscription and of when the Medal is needed. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 14 May 1984.
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Acknowledgment of Order from J.R. Gaunt & Son Ltd. to the Royal Asiatic Society for the Gold medal from sterling silver plated with gold. Printed form with typed inserts, dated 5 June 1984.
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Invoice from J.R. Gaunt & Son Ltd. to Royal Asiatic Society for the Medal struck from sterling silver and hard gold plated with inscription. Printed form with typed inserts, dated 29 June 1984.
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Newspaper cuttings recording the Presentation of the Gold Medal to Professor Sukumar Sen by A.V. Hayday from The Economic Times, The Daily Telegraph, Ananda Bazar Patrika, The Statesman, Aaj Kall, Jugantar, Kalantar, and Satyajug. These cuttings have all been glued on to sheets of white paper. Dated 21-23 August 1984. Further cuttings sent to D.J. Duncanson Esq., Royal Asiatic Society, from the British Deputy High Commissioner Calcutta on 31 August 1984. These are from The Statesman Delhi, The Times of India Delhi, The Indian Express Delhi, Patriot Delhi, The Statesman Delhi (with photograph), The Times of Delhi (photograph), and Pioneer Lucknow. These are also glued onto sheets of paper, dated 21-24 August 1984.
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Letter from Dr Subhadra Kumar Sen to The Secretary, Royal Asiatic Society to ask if the Society could send a copy of the announcement made in the Journal of the Royal Asiatic Society of his late father's award, and a list of past recipients. Handwritten with printed letterhead, dated 5 November 1993.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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This sub-series contains Correspondence with Dr Ahamad Hussain concerning the possibility of him being awarded the Gold Medal.
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Letter from Dr Ahamad Hussain to Royal Asiatic Society to write about his contribution to the field of literature via his work, Erotic Sentiments in Indian Literature. He asks therefore to be considered for the Gold Medal or Burton Memorial medal. Typed letter with printed letterhead, dated 11 July 1983.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from E.V. Gibson, Secretary of Royal Asiatic Society, to Dr Ahamad Hussain to give details of the Gold Medal and the Burton Memorial Medal but to inform him that the Society does not usually receive applications. However, the Council were keen not to overlook research of which they were unaware. Could the author therefore either provide a copy of the book or tell where it can be consulted in England. Typed dated 3 August 1983.
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Letter from Dr Ahamad Hussain to Mrs E.V. Gibson, Secretary of Royal Asiatic Society, in which he requests that the Society's library procure a copy of his book and that it is placed in front of the Awards Committee of the Society's Triennial Gold Medal. Typed with printed letterhead, dated 18 August 1983.
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Letter from Dr Ahamad Hussain to Mrs E.V. Gibson, Secretary of Royal Asiatic Society, in which he asks whether she has procured a copy of his book. Typed letter, dated 29 September 1983. On the letter is a handwritten note asking that he be informed that the Council will shortly be selecting an Award Committee and his letters would be put before them.
The Royal Asiatic Society of Great Britain and Ireland was founded by the eminent Sanskrit scholar Sir Henry Thomas Colebrooke on the 15th March 1823. It received its Royal Charter from King George IV on the 11th August 1824 'for the investigation of subjects connected with and for the encouragement of science, literature and the arts in relation to Asia'. It continues as a forum for those who are interested in the languages, cultures and history of Asia to meet and exchange ideas.
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Letter from Royal Asiatic Society to Dr Ahamad Hussain in which he is informed that the Award Committee has met and the Triennial Gold Medal for 1984 has been awarded to Professor Sukumar Sen. Typed, dated 14 May 1984.