• Gangaram Samrat’s life represents an important chapter in the intellectual history of Sindhi society. He lived through colonial rule, the freedom movement, Partition and the difficult years that followed.

Written & Compiled by: Jayanti Arjandas Thakkar ‘MITHI’

Today, 20th August, marks the death anniversary of Historian Gangaram Samrat, one of the notable scholars, historians, journalists and writers of Sindhi heritage. His life was devoted to the study of history, preservation of knowledge, journalism and the promotion of Sindhi language and literature.

Gangaram Samrat was born in 1918 in Sann village, situated on the banks of the Indus River in Sindh. His village had a good educational environment, and after completing his studies, he began teaching English at the same school. During this period, he came into contact with the Arya Samaj, which had a considerable influence on his intellectual development.

He translated a number of works written by Arya scholars and ascetics into English, thereby entering the world of literature and scholarship. Eventually, he left teaching and joined the Sindhi newspaper ‘Sansar Samachar’, where he worked for many years and played an important role in its publication and management.

His intellectual reputation grew considerably after the publication of his book ‘Aryavart’. In the book, he argued that the Aryans were indigenous to India. The work brought him considerable recognition, and people began referring to him as Gangaram Samrat. The book also contained controversial discussions concerning Islam, which led to opposition from sections of the Muslim community. The government subsequently banned the book, although by then it had reportedly been completely sold.

History remained the principal subject of Gangaram Samrat’s scholarship. He was an exceptionally dedicated collector of books and historical material. His personal library contained around 4,000 books in English, Hindi, Gujarati, Arabic and Persian. He also preserved government gazettes and other historical records relating to India, Pakistan and the United States.

He was known for his insistence on evidence and factual research. He did not believe in writing history without supporting material. Before presenting an argument, he studied both Indian and foreign sources and attempted to provide readers with detailed historical evidence.

Among his important works were books dealing with subjects such as Alexander’s defeat, Sindhu-Sauvira, Bhayankar Dhoka, Shuddh Gita and Mohenjo-daro, among many others. Several of his works were translated into different languages, extending his scholarship beyond the Sindhi-speaking world.

His correspondence also reflected his intellectual and reformist outlook. His letters carried the words “Go Back to the Vedas” prominently at the top, expressing his strong association with Vedic thought.

The Partition of the Indian subcontinent brought a new and difficult chapter to his life. During the mass migration of Hindus from Sindh to India, Gangaram Samrat worked to help those leaving their homeland. He even took up employment at Karachi Port so that he could assist Hindu refugees and migrants arriving there.

Yet he himself initially chose to remain in Sindh. He hoped that peace might eventually return and believed that it was possible to continue living in his birthplace. He therefore remained in Sindh until 1952. However, as he witnessed increasing difficulties and atrocities faced by Hindus, he finally decided to leave.

When he migrated to India, he left behind his two-story house but did not forget his most valuable possession—his collection of books. He carried his intellectual treasure with him and began a new chapter of his life in Karnavati (Ahmedabad), Gujarat.

Even after migrating to India, Gangaram Samrat continued his research and writing with remarkable dedication. In 1969, he established his own printing press, and in 1970 he began publishing the Sindhi weekly ‘Sindhu Mitra’. He also served as the joint secretary of the Small Newspapers Association, contributing to the development of journalism.

His contribution to history, journalism and Sindhi literature was recognized by Sindhi communities across different parts of India. He received honors from various organizations and was also honored by President Giani Zail Singh. The National Sindhi Language Development Council recognized his contribution by presenting him with ₹50,000 and a shield.

Remarkably, migration did not sever his intellectual relationship with Sindh or with Sindhi scholars living in Pakistan. He continued corresponding with Sindhi intellectuals there, and his articles were regularly published in Pakistani newspapers.

His final book, ‘Matan Asankhe Visaryo’, was published by Sindh University in Pakistan. He was also invited by Sindh University to deliver a lecture. Although he maintained these intellectual connections, he did not return to Pakistan after migrating to India.

Gangaram Samrat’s life represents an important chapter in the intellectual history of Sindhi society. He lived through colonial rule, the freedom movement, Partition and the difficult years that followed. Through all these changes, he remained committed to books, historical research, journalism and Sindhi identity.

His greatest legacy lies not merely in the number of books he wrote or collected, but in his belief that history must be studied through evidence, sources and critical inquiry. His vast personal library and lifelong research reflected a scholar’s determination to preserve knowledge even in the face of political upheaval and displacement.

On 20th August 2004, Historian Gangaram Samrat passed away. In accordance with his wishes, his eyes were donated after his death, allowing his final act of service to be one of giving the gift of sight to others.

Gangaram Samrat belonged to a generation that witnessed the painful partition of Sindh and the displacement of its people. Yet he carried the intellectual heritage of Sindh with him wherever he went. Through his books, newspapers, research and scholarship, he continued to keep the history and literary spirit of Sindh alive.

His life reminds us that a homeland may be left physically, but its history, language, literature and memories can continue to live through the work of those who preserve them.

On his death anniversary, we remember Gangaram Samrat with respect—as a historian, researcher, journalist, bibliophile and devoted servant of Sindhi language and literature.

May his contribution to Sindhi history and scholarship continue to inspire generations to come.

References: Indian Institute of Sindhology Deepak Ramchandani Barkha Khushalani Padma Motwani Ravi Tekchandani

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