Compiling the first Russian–Tamil dictionary in 1960 signaled the beginning of an expansive career for this scholar, who eventually emerged as one of Russia's most significant twentieth-century thinkers. His intellectual output spanned diverse fields including linguistics, Indology, and philosophy, eventually leading him to the University of London, where he influenced generations of students through his unique metatheoretical approach.
Early Intellectual Development
Born in Moscow in 1929, he experienced the upheaval of World War II while working at a weapons production facility in Nizhny Tagil. Although he struggled with traditional subjects like physics and chemistry during his schooling, he pursued linguistics independently. He later enrolled at the Moscow University Department of Philosophy, where he completed his studies in 1951.
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Upon returning to Moscow, he joined the Institute of Oriental Studies. In 1963, he collaborated with Juri Lotman, Vyacheslav Ivanov, and Vladimir Toporov to establish the Tartu-Moscow Semiotic School. This group aimed to develop a new nomenclature for analyzing society, consciousness, and culture. His academic work during this era often drew KGB scrutiny, as his research into South Asian social structures was perceived as a critique of the Soviet system.
Dissidence and Philosophical Partnership
His opposition to state policies included participating in human rights demonstrations in Pushkin Square. Following his dismissal from the Oriental Institute in 1968, he continued to lecture at the University of Moscow. He maintained a deep, collaborative friendship with philosopher Merab Mamardashvili. Together, they authored a significant text exploring the theory of consciousness, which was eventually smuggled out of the Soviet Union by Ernest Gellner.
Life and Work in London
He departed the Soviet Union in 1974, eventually settling in Britain. After an initial period of financial hardship, he secured a position at the School of Oriental and African Studies, University of London, in 1975. Supported by figures such as Isaiah Berlin, he spent his remaining decades teaching and publishing. He received the Andrei Bely Prize in 2000 and continued his research until his death in 2009.
Fast facts
- Born: 1929, Moscow
- Died: 2009, London
- Citizenship: Soviet Union, Russia, United Kingdom
- Academic degree: Candidate of philology
- Languages: French, German, Italian, English, Tamil, Russian, Sanskrit, Pali
- Major Award: Andrei Bely Prize (2000)
Questions readers ask
Which languages did Alexander Piatigorsky speak?
He was proficient in nine languages, including Sanskrit, Tamil, Pali, German, French, Italian, English, Russian, and Tibetan.
Where did he hold academic positions?
His professional appointments included the Institute of Oriental Studies in Moscow, Lomonosov Moscow State University, and the SOAS University of London.
Achievements
- Andrei Bely Prize — 2000
- Held posts at Institute of Oriental Studies of the Russian Academy of Sciences, SOAS, University of London and Lomonosov Moscow State University
- Fields: philosophy, oriental studies and Indology
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