Volga to Ganga English PDF Free: The Best Way to Enjoy this Classic of Indian Literature
Volga to Ganga: A Historical Novel by Rahul Sankrityayan
Have you ever wondered how India became the diverse and vibrant nation that it is today? Have you ever wanted to trace the origins and migrations of various peoples, languages, and cultures that shaped the Indian subcontinent and beyond? If so, you might be interested in reading Volga to Ganga, a historical novel by Rahul Sankrityayan that spans thousands of years of history from ancient times to modern times.
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In this article, we will introduce you to Volga to Ganga and its author, Rahul Sankrityayan, one of the most prolific and influential writers of modern India. We will also summarize the main themes and events of the novel, as well as its reception by critics and readers. Finally, we will tell you where you can find the PDF version of Volga to Ganga for free online, as well as some alternatives if you prefer other formats.
Introduction: What is Volga to Ganga and who is Rahul Sankrityayan?
Volga to Ganga is a historical novel written by Rahul Sankrityayan in Hindi in 1943. It consists of 20 chapters, each depicting a different period and place in history, from 6000 BCE to 1942 CE. The novel follows the migrations and interactions of various peoples, cultures, languages, religions, and ideologies across Eurasia, from the banks of the Volga river in Russia to the banks of the Ganga river in India.
Rahul Sankrityayan was a polymath who wrote in many languages, including Hindi, Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, Bengali, Urdu, Persian, Arabic, Russian, German, French, English, and others. He was also a scholar, traveler, explorer, monk, teacher, activist, journalist, historian, philosopher, linguist, sociologist, and more. He is considered the father of Hindi travel literature and one of the pioneers of modern Hindi prose. He was also a recipient of the Sahitya Akademi Award, the highest literary honor in India, for his magnum opus Volga to Ganga.
Summary: What are the main themes and events of Volga to Ganga?
Volga to Ganga is not a conventional novel with a linear plot and a fixed set of characters. Rather, it is a collection of historical stories that are loosely connected by the theme of migration and cultural exchange. Each chapter focuses on a different group of people, such as the Aryans, the Scythians, the Huns, the Turks, the Mongols, the Mughals, the British, and others, and shows how they influenced and were influenced by the regions and peoples they encountered.
The novel covers a wide range of topics, such as the origin and development of languages, scripts, religions, arts, sciences, laws, customs, and institutions. It also depicts the conflicts and collaborations between different classes, castes, genders, races, and nations. It also reflects on the impact of historical events, such as wars, invasions, revolutions, famines, plagues, and migrations, on the lives of ordinary people.
Reception: How was Volga to Ganga received by critics and readers?
Volga to Ganga was an instant success when it was first published in 1944. It sold more than 100,000 copies in its first year and has been reprinted many times since then. It has also been translated into several languages, including English, Russian, Chinese, Japanese, Korean, Nepali, Urdu, Gujarati, Marathi, Tamil, Telugu, Malayalam, Kannada, and others. It has been widely praised by critics and readers alike for its originality, creativity, erudition, and vision.
However, Volga to Ganga has also faced some criticism and controversy over the years. Some have questioned its historical accuracy and authenticity, pointing out factual errors or inconsistencies in some chapters. Some have also accused it of being biased or propagandist in favor of certain ideologies or perspectives. Some have also challenged its literary merit or style, arguing that it is too dry or didactic for a novel.
The Author: Rahul Sankrityayan
Biography: Who was Rahul Sankrityayan and what did he do?
Rahul Sankrityayan was born as Kedarnath Pandey in 1893 in a village near Azamgarh in Uttar Pradesh. He was born into a Brahmin family but later renounced his caste and religion. He ran away from home at the age of 11 and became a wandering monk. He traveled extensively across India and abroad, visiting places like Tibet, Nepal, China, Mongolia, Iran, Iraq, Turkey, Russia, Europe, and others. He collected thousands of books and manuscripts from various sources and donated them to various libraries and institutions. He also learned many languages and studied many subjects, such as Buddhism, Sanskrit, Pali, Tibetan, Persian, Arabic, Russian, German, French, English, history, philosophy, sociology, linguistics, and others.
He was also involved in various social and political movements. He joined the Indian freedom struggle against British colonialism and participated in several protests and campaigns. He was also influenced by Marxism and socialism and joined the Communist Party of India. He wrote extensively on various issues related to nationalism, secularism, humanism, socialism, and internationalism. He died in 1963 in Darjeeling at the age of 70.
Works: What are some of his other notable works besides Volga to Ganga?
Rahul Sankrityayan wrote more than 150 books and thousands of articles in various languages and genres. Some of his other notable works are:
Jine Ke Liye: A collection of autobiographical essays that narrate his life experiences and adventures.
Baisvin Sadi: A historical novel that depicts the social and cultural changes in India from the 18th to the 20th century.
Madanpur Ka Shri Ram: A social satire that criticizes the hypocrisy and corruption of the Indian society through the story of a village headman who claims to be a reincarnation of Rama.
Meri Jeevan Yatra: An autobiography that covers his childhood, travels, education, political activities, and literary achievements.
Tibbat Mein Buddh Dharm: A comprehensive study of Tibetan Buddhism based on his personal experiences and research in Tibet.
Legacy: How did Rahul Sankrityayan influence Indian literature and culture?
Rahul Sankrityayan is widely regarded as one of the greatest writers and thinkers of modern India. He is credited with enriching and modernizing Hindi literature with his innovative and diverse works. He is also admired for his contribution to the preservation and promotion of Indian heritage and culture. He inspired many generations of writers, scholars, activists, and travelers with his vision and passion. He was also honored with various awards and recognitions, such as the Padma Shri, the Sahitya Akademi Award, the Soviet Land Nehru Award, and the Rahul Sankrityayan Award.
The Book: Volga to Ganga
Structure: How is Volga to Ganga organized and divided into chapters?
Volga to Ganga is divided into 20 chapters, each representing a different period and place in history. The chapters are arranged in chronological order, starting from 6000 BCE and ending in 1942 CE. The chapters are also named after the geographical locations where the stories take place, such as Volga, Oxus, Pamir, Kashmir, Magadha, Pataliputra, Ujjain, Kannauj, Delhi, Agra, Lucknow, Calcutta, Bombay, and others. Each chapter begins with a brief introduction that provides the historical context and background of the story. Each chapter also ends with a note that explains the sources and references used by the author.
Characters: Who are some of the main characters and groups in Volga to Ganga?
Volga to Ganga features a large cast of characters and groups that belong to various ethnicities, cultures, languages, religions, and ideologies. Some of the main characters and groups are:
The Aryans: The Indo-European nomads who migrated from Central Asia to India and Iran around 1500 BCE. They introduced the Vedic religion, Sanskrit language, and caste system to India.
The Scythians: The Indo-European nomads who migrated from Central Asia to India and Europe around 700 BCE. They were known for their skills in horse-riding, archery, and warfare.
The Huns: The nomadic tribes who originated from Mongolia and invaded India and Europe around 400 CE. They were feared for their brutality and destructiveness.
The Turks: The nomadic tribes who originated from Central Asia and conquered large parts of Asia and Europe between 600 CE and 1400 CE. They introduced Islam, Turkic languages, and the Ottoman Empire to India.
The Mongols: The nomadic tribes who originated from Mongolia and conquered large parts of Asia and Europe between 1200 CE and 1400 CE. They were known for their military prowess and tolerance of diverse religions and cultures.
The Mughals: The descendants of the Mongols and the Turks who ruled over most of India between 1526 CE and 1857 CE. They were known for their patronage of art, architecture, literature, and music.
The British: The colonial power that dominated India from 1757 CE to 1947 CE. They were known for their exploitation of India's resources, imposition of Western laws and education, and suppression of Indian nationalism.
Settings: Where and when does Volga to Ganga take place?
Volga to Ganga takes place in various locations across Eurasia, from the Volga river in Russia to the Ganga river in India. The novel covers a span of about 8000 years of history, from 6000 BCE to 1942 CE. The following table shows the chronological order and geographical settings of each chapter:
Chapter Year Location --- --- --- Volga 6000 BCE Volga river valley, Russia Oxus 4500 BCE Oxus river valley, Central Asia Pamir 2500 BCE Pamir mountains, Central Asia Kashmir 1500 BCE Kashmir valley, India Magadha 600 BCE Magadha kingdom, India Pataliputra 300 BCE Pataliputra city, India Ujjain 100 CE Ujjain city, India Kannauj 500 CE Kannauj city, India Delhi 1000 CE Delhi city, India Agra 1500 CE Agra city, India Lucknow 1700 CE Lucknow city, India Calcutta 1800 CE Calcutta city, India Bombay 1900 CE Bombay city, India Ganga 1942 CE Ganga river valley, India The Themes: Volga to Ganga
History: How does Volga to Ganga depict the history of India and Eurasia?
Volga to Ganga depicts the history of India and Eurasia as a dynamic and complex process of migration and cultural exchange. The novel shows how different peoples, cultures, languages, religions, and ideologies have interacted with each other over time and space. The novel also shows how historical events have shaped the lives of individuals and communities. The novel challenges the conventional notions of history as a linear or static narrative of facts and dates. Instead, it presents history as a multi-layered and multi-faceted phenomenon that is open to interpretation and debate.
Culture: How does Volga to Ganga portray the diversity and evolution of cultures and languages?
Volga to Ganga portrays the diversity and evolution of cultures and languages as a result of migration and cultural exchange. The novel shows how different cultures and languages have influenced and been influenced by each other over time and space. The novel also shows how cultures and languages have adapted and changed according to the changing circumstances and needs of the people. The novel celebrates the richness and variety of cultures and languages that have emerged in India and Eurasia, and also acknowledges the challenges and conflicts that arise from cultural differences and changes.
Society: How does Volga to Ganga explore the issues of class, caste, gender, religion, and politics?
Volga to Ganga explores the issues of class, caste, gender, religion, and politics as they affect the lives of individuals and communities in different historical contexts. The novel shows how these social categories and institutions have emerged, evolved, and transformed over time and space. The novel also shows how these social categories and institutions have enabled or constrained the opportunities and choices of people. The novel also shows how people have resisted or challenged the dominant or oppressive social norms and structures. The novel also shows how people have expressed their identities and aspirations through various forms of art, literature, music, and culture.
The PDF: Volga to Ganga
Availability: Where can one find the PDF version of Volga to Ganga for free?
One can find the PDF version of Volga to Ganga for free online on various websites and platforms. However, one should be careful about the legality and quality of the PDF files available online. Some of the websites and platforms that offer the PDF version of Volga to Ganga for free are:
Archive.org: This website provides access to a scanned copy of the original Hindi edition of Volga to Ganga, published in 1944.
PDF Drive: This website provides access to a PDF file of the English translation of Volga to Ganga, translated by Victor Kiernan in 1947.
Scribd: This website provides access to a PDF file of the same English translation of Volga to Ganga, translated by Victor Kiernan in 1947.
Academia.edu: This website provides access to a PDF file of the same English translation of Volga to Ganga, translated by Victor Kiernan in 1947.
Goodreads: This website provides access to a PDF file of a revised English translation of Volga to Ganga, translated by Rana Nayar in 2018.
Quality: How good is the PDF version of Volga to Ganga in terms of readability and accuracy?
The quality of the PDF version of Volga to Ganga may vary depending on the source and format of the file. Some factors that may affect the quality are:
The resolution and clarity of the scanned images or text.
The accuracy and completeness of the OCR (optical character recognition) or transcription process.
The fidelity and consistency of the translation from Hindi to English or other languages.
The presence or absence of errors, typos, or missing pages.
The compatibility and accessibility of the file with different devices and software.
Therefore, one should always check the quality of the PDF file before downloading or reading it online. One should also compare different versions or editions of Volga to Ganga to get a better understanding and appreciation of the novel.
Alternatives: What are some other ways to access or enjoy Volga to Ganga besides the PDF format?
Besides the PDF format, there are some other ways to access or enjoy Volga to Ganga. Some of them are:
Printed books: One can buy or borrow printed copies of Volga to Ganga in Hindi, English, or other languages from various bookstores, libraries, or online platforms.
Audiobooks: One can listen to audiobooks of Volga to Ganga in Hindi, English, or other languages from various websites, apps, or podcasts.
E-books: One can read e-books of Volga to Ganga in Hindi, English, or other languages from various websites, apps, or devices.
Videos: One can watch videos of Volga to Ganga in Hindi, English, or other languages from various websites, apps, or channels. For example, there is a YouTube channel called Volga to Ganga that features animated videos of each chapter of the novel.
Comics: One can read comics of Volga to Ganga in Hindi, English, or other languages from various websites, apps, or magazines. For example, there is a comic series called Tinkle that features stories from Volga to Ganga.
Conclusion
In this article, we have introduced you to Volga to Ganga, a historical novel by Rahul Sankrityayan that spans thousands of years of history from ancient times to modern times. We have also introduced you to the author, Rahul Sankrityayan, one of the most prolific and influential writers of modern India. We have also summarized the main themes and events of the novel, as well as its reception by critics and readers. Finally, we have told you where you can find the PDF version of Volga to Ganga for free online, as well as some alternatives if you prefer other formats.
We hope that this article has sparked your interest and curiosity in Volga to Ganga, and that you will enjoy reading this masterpiece of Indian literature. We also hope that this article has given you some insights and perspectives on the history and culture of India and Eurasia. We also hope that this article has inspired you to explore more works by Rahul Sankrityayan and other Indian writers.
FAQs
Here are some frequently asked questions about Volga to Ganga:
What is the genre of Volga to Ganga?
Volga to Ganga is a historical novel that consists of 20 chapters, each depicting a different period and place in history. It is not a conventional novel with a linear plot and a fixed set of characters. Rather, it is a collection of historical stories that are loosely connected by the theme of migration and cultural exchange.
What is the main message of Volga to Ganga?
Volga to Ganga conveys the message that history is a dynamic and complex process of migration and cultural exchange. It also conveys the message that India is a diverse and vibrant nation that has been shaped by various peoples, cultures, languages, religions, and ideologies over time and space. It also conveys the message that one should appreciate and respect the richness and variety of cultures and languages that have emerged in India and Eurasia.
In which language was Volga to Ganga originally written?
Volga to Ganga was originally written in Hindi by Rahul Sankrityayan in 1943. It has been translated into several languages, including English, Russian, Bengali, Marathi, Malayalam, Tamil, Telugu, Kannada, and many others. The translations have made the novel accessible and popular among readers of different languages and regions.
Outline of the Article
The following table shows the outline of the article:
Section Subsection Content --- --- --- Introduction - A brief overview of Volga to Ganga, a historical novel by Rahul Sankrityayan that covers 8000 years of history from ancient times to modern times. The Author: Rahul Sankrityayan Biography: Who was Rahul Sankrityayan? A brief biography of Rahul Sankrityayan, one of the most prolific and influential writers of modern India.