The Bhagavadgita stands as one of the most profound spiritual and philosophical texts in the world, shaping Indian metaphysical thought, ethics, and devotion for centuries. This volume presents a historic translation of its first seven chapters, offering readers an invaluable glimpse into the earliest English rendition of the Gita.

The translation originates from the pioneering work of James Fraser (1713–54), a scholar and collector of Indian manuscripts who served in Surat under the East India Company during the 18th century. Over his seventeen-year tenure in India (1730–1747), Fraser amassed a remarkable collection of nearly 200 rare manuscripts in Arabic, Persian, and Sanskrit. His dedication led him to learn Sanskrit in Cambay, where he meticulously translated the Bhagavadgita—predating the more widely known 1785 English translation by Charles Wilkins by over a decade.

Though Fraser was able to translate only the first seven chapters, his work holds immense scholarly significance as it represents one of the earliest known Western interpretations of the Bhagavadgita. His translation relied on oral explanations by Sanskrit-speaking Indian scholars, reflecting an authentic engagement with the philosophical and theological dimensions of the text.

Fraser’s manuscript remained hidden for centuries, only to be rediscovered in the Bodleian Library at Oxford by Kris K. Soodur in the early 2000s. This long-lost treasure now resurfaces, allowing contemporary scholars, historians, and spiritual seekers to explore the earliest Western engagement with one of India’s most influential scriptures.

This edition, published by Jadavpur University Press, presents Fraser’s original translation in a modern, accessible format, making it an essential addition to the libraries of academics, researchers, and readers interested in the intersection of Western and Indian intellectual traditions.

Immerse yourself in this historic translation and witness the timeless wisdom of the Bhagavadgita through the lens of an 18th-century scholar.