The present work on Muhammad Shahidullah and his Contribution to Bengali Linguistics has been submitted to the Calcutta University as a Ph. D. dissertation. I consider it a rare privilege lo have an opportunity of paying my humble tribute as a student of Linguistics at the University of Calcutta to one who happens to be the first product of the same University in the Department of Linguistics, then known, the Department of Comparative Philology. He was probably the first major linguist in India to work within the historical-comparative framework.

 

Muhammad Shahiduilah, the man with a golden soul is a fascinating study. His activities on several subjects invariably attract the attention of scholars. Here, however, I confine myself to mainly on his linguistic works, leaving aside other works and biographical details, as far as possible. Incidentally, this is the only work on his linguistic contribution has ever been undertaken by a student of the Department of Linguistics of the University of Calcutta.

 

My deepest debt is to my teacher. Dr. Subhadra Kumar Sen, Khaira Professor of Indian Linguistics and Phonetics, whose class-room lectures, published works and above all guidance, left an indelible impression on my mind.

 

I am indebted to my parents as well for their constant inspiration and support for the work.

 

Finally 1 would like to acknowledge my debt to the staff of the following libraries — Central Library, University of Calcutta; National Library, Bangladesh High Commission Library, Bangiya Sahilya Parishad Library; British Council Library and numerous well-wishers without whose help my work could not have been undertaken.

 

June 24, 2002

 

RANITA MANDAL