Gyanendra Nath Chakravarti

Gyanendra Nath Chakravarti (January 1, 1861 – October 7, 1936), also known as G.N. Chakravarti, was an Indian theosophist and scholar. In 1893, he lectured at the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago.^[1]

After his early education at a missionary school in Banaras, Chakravarti continued his studies at Calcutta University and Muir College in Allahabad (now Prayagraj). He was awarded a Master of Arts and a Bachelor of Laws.^[2]

Chakravarti began his career as a lecturer in physical science at a college in Bareilly. By 1893, he was appointed professor of mathematics at the University of Allahabad. During his time at the university, he formed a friendship with Motilal Nehru, a key figure in India's independence movement and the father of Jawaharlal Nehru, the first prime minister of India. Later, he served as the Chief Inspector of Schools in the United Provinces.^[2]

He was appointed the first Vice-Chancellor of the University of Lucknow^[3][4] on December 16, 1920, after previously serving as pro-vice-chancellor at Banaras Hindu University.

Chakravarti was introduced to the Theosophical Society^[5] by his uncle and became an active member of the organization. There, he met the Society's founders, Helena Petrovna Blavatsky and Colonel Henry Steel Olcott. By 1893, he served as the President of the Students Theosophical Association at Allahabad.

Although he was not a member of the Esoteric Section of the Society, some contemporaries including Bertram Keightley considered Chakravarti an occultist associated with Helena Petrovna Blavatsky Masters.^[6]

In 1893, the Theosophical Society sent a delegation to the World's Parliament of Religions in Chicago, which included Chakravarti, Annie Besant, and other figures.^[7] The Theosophical Society wanted a Brahmin attendee, and convinced Chakravarti to participate, despite his concerns that violating caste taboos would negatively affect his caste status ("losing his caste").^[8] After traveling to England and meeting leading theosophists, he sailed for America in August 1893 with Besant and others. Upon arriving, they met with American Theosophists. During their time in the United States, they organized multiple lectures.

Professor Chakravarti was awarded the title and medal of "Rai Bahadur". By the British colonial administration, The Dr. Chakravarti Gold Medal is awarded annually at the University of Lucknow for achievements in academia.^[9]

The Union Index of Theosophical Periodicals lists articles by or about Chakravarti.

• The Influence of Theosophy on the Life and Teachings of Modern India. 1906. Adyar Pamphlet Series No. 35. Reviewed in The Theosophic Messenger 7.8 (May 1906), 124.
• Spirituality and Psychism. 1914. Adyar Pamphlet Series, No. 48^[10]

Chakravarti was married to Monica Devi Chakravarti (1882–1944). The couple had four biological children and later adopted 40 more . In 1925 Devi became a wandering mendicant monk. She adopted the name Sri Yashoda Mai and became a spiritual advisor. She founded the Mirtola Ashram^[11] with her disciple, Ronald Nixon, who later took the name Sri Krishna Prem.^[12]