The Light of Asia, published in 1879, established Edwin Arnold as a significant voice in late nineteenth-century literature by introducing Buddhist philosophy to Western readers through epic blank verse. This work defined his career, yet his professional life spanned decades as a prominent journalist, academic administrator in India, and an influential editor at The Daily Telegraph.
Academic and Indian Career
Born in Gravesend in 1832, Arnold attended King's School, Rochester, and King's College London before studying at University College, Oxford. In 1852, he earned the Newdigate Prize for his poem The Feast of Belshazzar. He served as a schoolmaster at King Edward's School in Birmingham, then moved to India in 1856 to lead the Deccan College in Poona. During the 1857 mutiny, he provided services that garnered public recognition from Lord Elphinstone in the Bombay Council.
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Returning to England in 1861, Arnold joined the staff of The Daily Telegraph, eventually rising to editor-in-chief. He held this position for over forty years. In 1874, he coined the phrase Cape to Cairo Railway to describe a potential trans-African transport route. Additionally, he coordinated the expedition of H. M. Stanley to Africa to map the Congo River; Stanley honored this collaboration by naming a mountain near Albert Edward Nyanza after the editor.
Literary Contributions
Arnold sought to interpret Eastern philosophy for English audiences through verse. Following the success of The Light of Asia, he published The Light of the World in 1891, which focused on the life of Jesus. Other notable publications include The Indian Song of Songs (1875), The Song Celestial (1885), and Adzuma, or The Japanese Wife (1893). His body of work highlights his deep engagement with diverse cultural traditions, including his study of Japan in works like Seas and Lands.
Public Life and Advocacy
Arnold was a vocal proponent of vegetarianism, serving as a vice-president of the London Vegetarian Society at the invitation of Mahatma Gandhi. He also participated in the West London Food Reform Society alongside Gandhi and Josiah Oldfield. His public service and literary achievements earned him the title of Companion of the Order of the Star of India in 1877, followed by an appointment as Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire in 1888.
Fast facts
- Born: 1832, Gravesend
- Died: 1904, London
- Education: University College, Oxford
- Notable Work: The Light of Asia
- Knighted: 1888
- Occupations: Journalist, Poet, Orientalist
- Languages: English
Questions readers ask
What was Arnold's role in the Mahabodhi Society?
He was a founder member alongside Anagarika Dharmapala.
Did his writing receive universal acclaim?
While The Light of Asia was highly successful, his subsequent works, such as The Light of the World, faced mixed reception.
Achievements
- Companion of the Order of the Star of India
- Knight Commander of the Order of the Indian Empire — 1888
- Newdigate Prize
- Notable work: The Light of Asia
