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Famous Indian Philosophers

Explore the profound wisdom of famous Indian philosophers with Frontlist. Dive into timeless insights and philosophical treasures that shape our understanding.
on May 20, 2022

From ancient Greece to the present day, philosophy has been a major feature of civilization. While philosophers are frequently dismissed as daydreamers, their work has a significant impact. It enables us to make sense of our surroundings while striving towards a better one. Philosophical literature helps us solve problems, whether ordinary or abstract and improve our decision-making skills through cultivating critical thinking.

Here we bring you a list of a few famous Indian philosophers who have had a significant impact on the development of Indian philosophy and beliefs.

Rabindranath Tagore

Rabindranath Tagore was born in Kolkata, West Bengal, India, on August 7, 1941. He was an Indian polymath who contributed significantly to literature, art, and philosophy. Tagore, dubbed the "Bard of Bengal", is credited with influencing Bengali literature and music. He is the first non-European to win the Nobel Prize in Literature. He also penned the national anthems of India and Bangladesh. Gitanjali, a collection of poetry by Rabindranath Tagore, is his most recognised and influential work.

Chanakya

Chanakya was born in 0371 BC in India. He was an ancient Indian philosopher, teacher, jurist, economist, and royal advisor. Chanakya is thought to have been instrumental in the establishment of the Maurya Empire and is regarded as India's first economist and political scientist. The Arthashastra, an ancient Indian political treatise considered one of the seminal texts on statecraft, was authored by Chanakya.

Amartya Sen

Amartya Sen was an Indian economist born in Shantiniketan, West Bengal, on November 3, 1933. In 1998, he was awarded the Nobel Prize in Economic Sciences for his contributions to welfare economics and social choice theory. He is considered a key contemporary liberal thinker for his views on the nature and necessity of liberty as well as his invention of more complex metrics of poverty and work on the causes and prevention of famines. He has also authored the book "Poverty and Famines: An Essay on Entitlement and Deprivation".

Raja Ram Mohan Roy

Raja Ram Mohan Roy was an Indian social and religious reformer born on May 22, 1772, in Radhanagore, West Bengal, India. He was a Co-founder of the Brahmo Sabha, a social and religious reform organisation in India. Roy is considered as the Father of the Bengal Renaissance, having affected fields like politics, education, and religion. "Sati: A Writeup of Raja Ram Mohan Roy About Burning of Widows Alive'' is one of his most well-known works.

Gautama Buddha

Gautam Buddha, the Founder of Buddhism, was born in Lumbini Province, Nepal, in 0563 BC. Based on his insights on suffering, nirvana, and the birth and rebirth cycle, he is said to have taught for roughly 45 years. Many individuals were impacted by his teachings and began to follow in his footsteps. He attained enlightenment in India’s Bodh Gaya. The famous book "Dharmapada" was written by him.

Swami Vivekananda

The Founder of the Ramakrishna Mission and Ramakrishna Math, Swami Vivekananda, was an Indian Hindu monk, philosopher, and spiritual leader born on January 12, 1863, in Kolkata, West Bengal, India. He introduced the Indian ideas of Yoga and Vedanta to the Western world. He is also recognised for fostering interfaith understanding and enhancing Hinduism's reputation as a major international religion. "Rajyoga" is one of the best books by Swami Vivekananda.