Suniti Kumar Chatterji

Suniti Kumar Chatterji (1890–1977) was a celebrated Indian linguist, educationist, and litterateur, recognized for his pioneering work in the scientific study of Indian languages. After serving as Assistant Professor of English at Calcutta University, he pursued advanced linguistic studies in London and Paris under figures like Jules Bloch. He held the position of Khaira Professor of Indian Linguistics and Phonetics at Calcutta University, later becoming Professor Emeritus and a National Research Professor of India for Humanities. Chatterji's magnum opus, The Origin and Development of The Bengali Language, remains a seminal work, and he also contributed Languages and Literatures of India to the Cultural Heritage Of India series. A recipient of the Padma Bhushan and Padma Vibhushan, he also served as President of the Sahitya Akademi.