The Twenty-Second Century
A Vision of the Future
by Rahul SankrityayanScience FictionUtopian Fiction
Baeesween Sadi (बाईसवीं सदी)
Originally in Hindi1924
16 chapters165 pages3½h read
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About This Book
Step into the astonishing future of the twenty-second century through the eyes of a traveler awakened from a long sleep. In this visionary 1924 Hindi classic, Rahul Sankrityayan guides readers across lush orchards, innovative schools, and bustling villages—all radically transformed by technology and new ways of living. As our narrator explores dazzling advancements in agriculture, education, and governance, each chapter unveils a world where imagination and progress shape society. “The Twenty-Second Century” is a trailblazing work of science fiction, offering a thoughtful glimpse into humanity’s potential and the wonders of tomorrow—both inspiring and thought-provoking for readers of any era.
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Rahul Sankrityayan
1893–1963
Rahul Sankrityayan (1893–1963) was an extraordinary figure in Indian literature and scholarship, celebrated as the 'Father of Hindi Travel Literature.' Born as Kedarnath Pandey in the village of Pandaha in Uttar Pradesh, Sankrityayan’s insatiable curiosity led him on intellectual and physical journeys across Asia—including arduous explorations through Tibet, Central Asia, Russia, and Sri Lanka. Fluent in several languages and well-versed in diverse subjects ranging from Buddhist philosophy to Marxist theory, he authored over 150 books, leaving an indelible imprint on Hindi prose.
Places and Terms in this Book
Nalanda— A historical region and the site of the ancient Nalanda University in Bihar, India.
Lanka— The ancient name for the island of Sri Lanka.
Patna— The capital city of Bihar, India, serving as a communication hub in the future.
Ayurveda— A traditional Indian system of medicine, studied at Takshashila.
Buddha— Siddhartha Gautama, the founder of Buddhism, depicted in the museum.
Takshashila— An ancient university town in present-day Pakistan, referenced as the educational background of the world president.
Vocabulary
kos— An ancient Indian unit of distance, roughly equivalent to 2-3 kilometers.
bhang— An intoxicating drink made from cannabis leaves, traditionally consumed in parts of India.
kabaddi— A traditional Indian team sport involving tagging and wrestling.
sari— A traditional Indian garment worn by women, consisting of a long piece of cloth draped around the body.
bidi— A thin, hand-rolled cigarette made from tobacco wrapped in a tendu leaf, common in India.
ghee— Clarified butter commonly used in Indian cooking.
