Historiography of the Philosophy of Bengali Vishnuism in Colonial India
https://doi.org/10.18384/2949-5148-2024-3-30-42
Abstract
Aim. Identification and classification of various positions and their ideological foundations in the historiography of the philosophy of Bengali Vishnuism or Gaudiya Vedanta in the colonial period.
Methodology. The analysis of the researchers’ views, their identity and strategies for interpreting the history, philosophy and lifestyle of the Bengali Vaishnavism is carried out. The main problems of Gaudiya Vedanta philosophy, which are the subject of divergence between different groups of researchers, are also highlighted.
Results. A classification of four groups of researchers has been obtained: 1) Gaudiya Vaishnavas, 2) Protestant missionaries, 3) literature researchers, 4) neo-vedantists. The main problems are the methodology of research, the divinity of the Chaitanya, the continuity and morality of the tradition, irrationalism and the consistency of Gaudiya Vedanta philosophy. The mutual influence of Gaudian philosophy and Russian philosophy was discovered through correspondence of Leo Tolstoy.
Research implications. The theoretical significance lies in explaining the current position of Gaudiya Vedanta in the academic environment of India and allows a more objective approach to the material under study.
About the Author
D. N. Popov
Financial University under the Government of the Russian Federation; Mayapur Bhaktivedanta Institute
Russian Federation
Russian Federation
Dmitry N. Popov – Cand. Sci. (Philosophy), Senior Lecturer, Department of Humanities; Researcher, Research Department,
49/2, Leningradsky Prospekt ave., Moscow 125167;
Mayapur Chandrodaya Mandir, Mayapur 741313, West Bengal, (India).
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