Nabadwip Vidyasagar College, Nabadwip

Campus Location: Nadia

Located in Nabadwip, from which the district Nadia derives its name, is well-known for more than one reasons– a traditional seat of Sanskrit learning, residence of the Sena Kings of Bengal, and above all a seat of religious socio-cultural movement initiated by Sri Chaitanyadeva, the great exponent of Goudiya Vaisnavism and 16th century Bengal Renaissance. Nabadwip is situated on the west bank of the Bhagirathi, opposite to the confluence of the Jalangi with that river., There are three different opinions regarding the origin of the name Nabadwip. The first is that the town originally stood on an island which was called Nava-dwip (i.e, new island) to distinguish it from Agra-dwip (former island) which lies about fifteen miles up the Bhagirathi from Navadwip. The second is that it was once a resort of a recluse who used to practise his religious rites at night surrounded by nine lights (Nava-dip). Lastly, that it is formed of a group of nine islands (Nava-dwip), an account of which is given by Narahari Das in his ‘Nabadwip Parikrama Paddhati’., Nabadwip is a town with rich ancient tradition and heritage. It is said that Nabadwip was founded by one of the Sena Kings of Bengal, who took up his residence at a place on the east bank of the sacred Bhagirathi. On the east bank of the river, immediately opposite to present Nabadwip, is the village Bamanpukur, where king Ballal Sena used to reside. Historical evidence indicates that this place was the resort of the Sena Kings till the Afghan conquest of Bengal. For centuries Nabadwip has been famous as a seat of learning. The patronage of the Hindu kings and the religious sanctity attached to the place brought pilgrims and scholars from far and near. Many traditional scholars of country-wide repute belonging to this city have contributed richly to the field of Indian philosophy (Nyaya), Theology, Logic, Laws and grammar. The place abounded in seminaries where teachers of wide fame used to impart lessons in those subjects to scholars drawn from different parts of the country. The names of Halayudha, Pasupati, Shulapani and Udyanacharya may be mentioned in this connection. They are said to be contemporaries of king Lakshmana Sena. The most celebrated savants of the place were Basudeva Sarbavauma and his distinguished pupils. Mention may be made of Raghunath Shiromoni, the author of the ‘Didhiti’ and the commentary on the ‘Goutama Sutra’, Raghunandan Smarta Bhattacharya, the most renowned scholar on Smriti, whose school is followed even today in West Bengal; Krishnananda Agambagish, whose work on ‘Tantra’ is the standard book on the subject. But the most outstanding personality was Sri Chaitanya, who became the famous apostle of the Vaisnava cult., Nabadwip still continues to be famous for its Sanskrit teaching. The indigenous sanskrit schools, known as ‘tols’, in which Smriti and Nyaya are imparted, attract many students. Mention may be made of the Sanskrit College, nearby Nabadwip Vidyasagar College, founded and still maintained by the Govt. of West Bengal. Legend goes that the famous scholar and an idol of self-sacrifice and dedication, commonly known as ‘Buno Ramnath’ (real name: Ramnath Tarkasiddhanta) lived and taught his pupils from the place, where the present Sanskrit College is situated. Anglo Indian culture had also its exponents in persons like Dr. Satish Vidyabhusana, Sharat Shastri, Dr.Mahendra Vidyanidhi, Dwarakanath Bhattacharya, Tarinicharan Chatterjee and others.The town, situated on the bank of the Bhagirathi and being the famous seat of both Shakta and Vaishnava cults, and rapidly flourishing ISKCON (Mayapur), is frequented for pilgrimage and tourism. Besides, Vaisnava shrines there are a large number of Shakta and Saiva places of worship in the town. In the Bengali month of Kartik Rasjatra is celebrated in the Vaisnava shrines. At the same time Saiva and Shakta idols of various descriptions are worshiped and immersed with colourful procession. Needless to say, Nabadwip Vidyasagar College can boast of its birthplace, so rich in its history.. Use Google Maps for turn-by-turn driving directions to the campus.