Dr. Pitambar Dutt Barthwal is renowned as the first scholar to systematically study Nirgun mysticism in Hindi literature. His extensive research and literary contributions brought Nirgun poetry and Sant literature to national and international recognition. His work helped shape the Hindi literary landscape, making Nirgun philosophy as fluid and impactful as the Ganges River.
Dr. Pitambar Dutt Barthwal
Early Life and Education
Born on December 13, 1902, in Pali village near Lansdowne (Garhwal), Dr. Barthwal inherited a deep literary inclination. His father, Pandit Gauri Dutt Barthwal, was a distinguished scholar of Sanskrit and astrology. Pitambar Dutt’s early education took place at home, after which he pursued formal schooling at Government High School, Srinagar Garhwal. Later, he continued his studies at Kalicharan High School, Lucknow, where he passed the High School Examination in 1920 with first-class marks.
For higher education, he enrolled at D.A.V. College, Kanpur, in 1922 and later joined Banaras Hindu University (BHU). However, his education faced hurdles due to adverse family circumstances. Following his father’s demise, his education was supported by his uncle, Maniram, and maternal uncle, Harikrishna Thapliyal. Despite further struggles, he resumed his studies and successfully earned a B.Ed. in 1926 and an M.A. in Hindi in 1928, both from BHU, securing a first-class distinction.
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Academic and Research Career
Dr. Barthwal’s excellence in Chhayavad (romantic poetry movement) impressed Prof. Shyam Sundar Das, the head of the Hindi department at BHU, who encouraged him to pursue research. In 1929, he cleared his LL.B. examination, and by 1930, he was appointed as a lecturer in Hindi at BHU. This position allowed him to dive deep into the study of Hindi literature and mysticism.
A breakthrough came in 1939 when he presented his pioneering research work, “The Nirgun School of Hindi Poetry”, in English. The book was widely acclaimed by scholars, including BHU’s Vice-Chancellor, Acharya Dhurva, who was astonished by its depth. This dissertation earned him a D.Litt. degree, making him a prominent Hindi literary scholar of his time. His work filled a significant gap in Hindi literary studies, with notable figures like Prof. Ranade of Prayag University recognizing it as the first serious attempt to analyze Hindi mysticism. Similarly, Dr. T. Graham Valley, head of the Urdu-Hindi department at Oxford University, praised the book as an invaluable scholarly resource.
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Literary Contributions and Editorial Work
Dr. Barthwal’s literary talent emerged early in life. While studying in Srinagar Garhwal, he started a handwritten magazine, “Manoranjani”. At D.A.V. College, he was involved in editing “Hillman” magazine. Between 1920-24, he wrote poetry under the pen name ‘Ambar’, with his works published in leading magazines such as Garhwali, Saraswati, Veena, Jeevan Sahitya, Kalyan, Vishal Bharat, Madhuri, Pratap, and Hindostani.
Apart from poetry and research, he contributed significantly to literary criticism and philosophical writing. He authored books like “Pranayama Vigyan aur Kala” and “Dhyan Se Atma Chikitsa”, which received recognition and awards from the rulers of Bundi and Gwalior. In 1933, after earning his D.Litt., he was appointed as the honorary director of the research department at Kashi Nagari Pracharini Sabha. His work led to the discovery of numerous ancient manuscripts, which he meticulously compiled for future scholars. Some of his most significant works include:
- Kabir Ki Sakhi Aur Sarvangi
- Haridas Ji Ki Sakhi
- Harimak Prakash
- Sevadas Ki Rachnayein
- History of Nepali Literature
- Garhwal Mein Gorakhshahi
- Garhwal Ke Pawade (Folk Ballads of Garhwal)
Struggles and Legacy
Despite his academic brilliance, Dr. Barthwal faced financial hardships, health issues, and family responsibilities. Unlike other professors, he earned a modest salary, which, coupled with poor health and heavy responsibilities, posed significant challenges. However, his unwavering dedication to literature helped him overcome obstacles and continue his research.
Unfortunately, he passed away at a young age on July 24, 1944, in his ancestral village, Pali. His demise was a profound loss to the literary world, and eminent scholars like Dr. Hazari Prasad Dwivedi, Dr. Banarsi Das Chaturvedi, and Dr. Ram Kumar Verma paid heartfelt tributes to his contributions.
Dr. Pitambar Dutt Barthwal left behind an immense literary and scholarly legacy that remains unmatched. Many of his rare works still await proper archiving and preservation. Establishing a research institute in his memory at his ancestral village would be a significant step toward honoring his contributions and ensuring that his pioneering research continues to inspire future generations.
Dr. Barthwal’s scholarship was not just an academic pursuit but a mission to elevate Hindi literature, particularly Nirgun mysticism, to global recognition. His unparalleled contributions make him an immortal figure in the history of Hindi literature.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
1. Who was Dr. Pitambar Dutt Barthwal?
Dr. Pitambar Dutt Barthwal was a renowned Hindi scholar and the first researcher of Nirgun Sant literature. His pioneering work brought mystic poetry into academic recognition.
2. When and where was Dr. Barthwal born?
He was born on December 13, 1902, in Pali village, Lansdowne, Uttarakhand.
3. What was Dr. Barthwal’s major contribution to Hindi literature?
His research on Nirgun poetry led to the publication of his English dissertation, “The Nirgun School of Hindi Poetry”, which earned him a D.Litt degree and international recognition.
4. What were some of his notable literary works?
He compiled and researched rare Hindi and Garhwali texts, including:
- Kabir Ki Sakhi Aur Sarvangi
- Haridas Ji Ki Sakhi
- Garhwal Mein Gorakh Shasan
- Nepali Sahitya Ka Itihas
5. What challenges did he face in his academic journey?
Dr. Barthwal faced financial difficulties, family struggles, and health issues but remained committed to literature and research.
6. How did he influence Hindi literary studies?
His research established Nirgun Sant poetry as a significant school of Hindi literature, inspiring future scholars.
7. When did Dr. Barthwal pass away?
He passed away at a young age on July 24, 1944, in his hometown Pali, Uttarakhand.
8. How is his legacy preserved today?
Scholars continue to study his work, and there is a demand to establish a research institute in his memory.
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