Amaranatha Jha: A Renaissance Man

Allahabad derives its identity not only from the holy Triveni—confluence of the Ganga, Yamuna and the subterranean Saraswati, but also from the Allahabad University (founded in 1887). There was a time when Allahabad University was known as the ‘Oxford of the East’ for such was its renown as a seat of learning and academic excellence. The one Vice-Chancellor whose name became synonymous with the University was Dr. Amaranatha Jha who at twenty-two was also the youngest Professor of English at the University. Jha was Vice-Chancellor of Allahabad University for three successive terms from 1938 to 1947.