Sarvepalli Gopal

Sarvepalli Gopal;S.Gopal

Place: Chennai

Born: 1923

Death: 2002

Biography:

Sarvepalli Gopal was a renowned Indian historian, born on April 23, 1923, in Chennai, India. He was the son of Sarvepalli Radhakrishnan, the first Vice-President and the second President of India. Gopal's contributions to Indian history are immeasurable, and his legacy continues to inspire historians and scholars today.

Early Life and Education

Gopal was educated at Mill Hill School in London and at the Madras Christian College. He then pursued his undergraduate studies in history at Balliol College, Oxford, where he won the Curzon Prize. He continued his academic journey at Balliol, earning his PhD on the viceroyalty of Lord Ripon in 1951.

Career and Achievements

Gopal's career was marked by his close association with prominent figures in Indian history, including Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru. He worked as a Director in the Ministry of External Affairs, Government of India, in the 1950s and later became a Reader in Indian History at St Antony's College, Oxford. In the 1970s, he was appointed as a Professor of History at the Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, which he helped establish. Gopal was also a prolific author, writing several books on Indian history, including Radhakrishnan: A Biography and Jawaharlal Nehru: A Biography. His contributions to historical scholarship were recognized with the Padma Vibhushan award in 1999.

Artistic Interests

Although Gopal was not a painter himself, his interests in art and culture are evident in his writings. He often referenced famous artists and their works, such as Giotto Di Bondone and his masterpiece Scrovegni - [01] - Expulsion of Joachim from the Temple. Gopal's appreciation for art is also reflected in his association with institutions like the National Museum in Kraków, which showcases an impressive collection of artworks, including Sketches of dogs by Olga Boznańska.

Legacy

Gopal's legacy extends beyond his academic achievements. He was a strong advocate for Indian democracy and secularism, and his writings continue to inspire historians and scholars today. His contributions to the establishment of institutions like Jawaharlal Nehru University have had a lasting impact on Indian education.

For more information on Sarvepalli Gopal's life and work, visit Wikipedia.
Explore the extensive collection of artworks at Wikioo.org, featuring famous artists like Pierre-Auguste Renoir and Giotto Di Bondone.
Discover the rich cultural heritage of India through the National Museum in Kraków and other institutions.

Key works by Sarvepalli Gopal include:

Gopal's contributions to Indian history and his legacy as a scholar and advocate for democracy continue to inspire and educate us today. His work serves as a testament to the power of historical scholarship and its impact on our understanding of the world.