Kashi Prasad Jayaswal was born in Mirzapur (U.P.) on 27 November 1881. After post graduation from Allahabad University he entered  Oxford University for further studies.   He was called to the Bar of the Lincoln's Inn, London after a distinguished career at Oxford culminating in his being conferred the degree of M.A. in Ancient Indian History. At Jesus College, Oxford he was awarded the Davis Chinese Scholarship for 1909. On his return  to India, he set up practice at the Calcutta High Court. While at  Calcutta  he  came into contact with Sir Ashutosh Mookherjee, then Vice-Chancellor of the Calcutta University. Sir Ashutosh inspired him to undertake extensive research in Ancient Indian History.

Shri Jayaswal devoted more of his time to historical research than to legal practice. He first came to prominence with his articles on 'Hindu Polity' published in the 'Modern Review' in 1913, which shed a completely new light on ancient Indian history. His 'Tagore  Law   Lectures'  at the Calcutta University on Hindu Law according to  Manu  and  Yajnavalkya drew critical acclaim. His monumental work 'History of lndia-150 AD to 350 AD' supplemented by his work on Indian History from c. 700 BC to 770 AD illuminated many a dark period in Indian History.

With the setting up of a High Court in Bihar in 1916 he shifted his legal practice to Patna. However, being a devoted Indologist he took active part in excavating, restoring and preserving ancient relics of India's cultural heritage. A large number of valuable vestiges which he salvaged are  in  the  Patna  Museum. He also collected Sanskrit manuscripts, and edited  and published a descriptive catalogue of such manuscripts. He was a multi-faceted genius. A distinguished lawyer and eminent historian, he also possessed  a deep knowledge  of Numismatics, and had  an extraordinary  proficiency  in  deciphering ancient scripts. His deciphering of 'Hathi­ Gumpha' inscription of Emperor  Kher­ Vela (c. 173-160 BC) is a landmark. His remarkable discovery and study of a large number  of coins of Maurya and Gupta periods led to his being the first Indian to be  invited  to  speak  to  the Royal Asiatic Society of London in 1931.

He was twice elected president of Numismatic Society of India (1934 and 1936) and of All India Oriental  Conference (1933). He was also closely associated with Bihar & Orissa Research Society and the Patna Museum since their inception. Benares Hindu University and Patna University honoured him with the degree of Doctor of Philosophy (Honoris Causa). He died on 4 August 1937 in Patna.

Indian P & T Department is privileged to issue a stamp in his honour.

Source : Information Folder issued by Indian Posts & Telegraph Department, Government of India