What is the First Indian Work Translated into English?

Discover the first Indian text translated into a European language—the Bhagavad Gita—by Charles Wilkins in 1785.

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The first Indian work to be translated into a European language was the Bhagavad Gita. In 1785, Charles Wilkins translated the text into English, making it accessible to a wider audience and sparking interest in Indian literature and philosophy in Europe.

FAQs & Answers

  1. Who was Charles Wilkins? Charles Wilkins was an Englishman known for translating the Bhagavad Gita into English in 1785, which played a key role in introducing Indian philosophy to the West.
  2. What is the significance of the Bhagavad Gita? The Bhagavad Gita is a central text in Hindu philosophy and spirituality, addressing profound themes such as duty, righteousness, and the nature of reality.
  3. What other works have been translated into European languages? Many Indian texts have been translated, including the Upanishads, Ramayana, and works by contemporary authors, broadening the understanding of Indian culture.

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