Krishna Kanta Handique (1898-1982) Commemoration
Technical Data
| Date of Issue | October 7, 1983 |
|---|---|
| Denomination | 50 p |
| Quantity | 1,500,000 |
| Perforation | comb 13 x 12½ |
| Printer | Security Printing Press, Nashik |
| Watermark | No Watermark |
| Colors | Deep blue |
| Catalog Codes |
Michel IN 965 Stamp Number IN 1032 Yvert et Tellier IN 774 Stanley Gibbons IN 1102 |
| Themes | Commemoration | Famous people | Men | Optical Instruments | Professors |
Krishna Kanta Handique, renowned for his expertise in Sanskrit, linguistics, education, and scholarship, was born in Johrat on July 20, 1898. His father, Radha Kanta Handique, held a prestigious position as a Government Official during the British Rule in Assam. Handique received his early education at Johrat Government High School, followed by stints at Cotton College, Guwahati, Sanskrit College in Calcutta, and the universities of Calcutta, Oxford, Paris, and Berlin.
A distinguished academic, Handique served as the founding Principal of J.B. College, Johrat, from 1930 to 1947. He later became Vice-Chancellor of Guwahati University, holding the position from 1948 to 1957, with re-appointments in 1951 and 1954. His contributions to academia earned him the Padmashree in 1955 and the Padmabhushan in 1967, bestowed upon him by the President of India.
Handique’s scholarly achievements extended beyond India’s borders, earning him recognition as an Honorary Fellow of Deccan College by the Maharashtra Government, a rare honor reserved for exceptional scholars in India and abroad. Additionally, he was bestowed the prestigious title of Sadasyamahian by the Assam Sahitya Sabha, the highest honor conferred by the Sabha on scholars of exceptional merit.
As an author, Handique penned three scholarly works: “Naisadhacharita,” “Yasastilaka and Indian Culture,” and “Setubandha.” His critical dissertation on Somadeva’s “Yasastilaka,” a 10th-century Sanskrit treatise, garnered praise from scholars worldwide. French Savant L. Renou, Professor of Sanskrit at Paris University, hailed Handique’s work as a monumental contribution to Indological studies.
Handique’s legacy continues to inspire scholars and enthusiasts alike, with his profound insights and contributions to various fields of study. His passing on August 7, 1982, marked the end of an era in Indian scholarship. In honor of his remarkable contributions, the Indian Posts & Telegraphs Department is pleased to issue a commemorative stamp honoring Krishna Kanta Handique, celebrating his enduring impact on academia and Indian culture.