Sir Aurel Stein, a prominent figure in the world of archaeology and exploration, is widely remembered as a British archaeologist due to his education and later naturalisation as a British citizen. However, the story of Stein’s life and career is not solely one of British influence. His Hungarian roots and early exposure to Asian studies played an equally significant role in shaping his remarkable path. In this article, we will delve into the life and contributions of Sir Aurel Stein, shedding light on the profound impact of his Hungarian origins and how they intertwined with his later British identity and scholarly pursuits.
Early Life and Education: Nurturing Hungarian Roots
Born in Budapest in 1862, Aurel Stein hailed from a family with deep Hungarian roots. His childhood home was in close proximity to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, an institution that would later become integral to his life. His uncle, Professor Dr. Ignác Hirschler, was a Corresponding Member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, fostering Stein’s early interest in academia. As a young student, Stein frequented the Academy’s library, where he began to cultivate his passion for Oriental studies, particularly Sanskrit. This early exposure set the stage for his future academic endeavours and established a lasting connection to his native Hungary.
British Naturalisation and a Lifelong Scholarly Bond
While Stein’s education and early academic inclinations were nurtured in Hungary, his life’s journey took him to distant shores. He pursued further studies in London, eventually leading to his naturalisation as a British citizen. Despite his deep ties to the British Empire, Stein maintained a profound connection with Hungary, particularly through the Hungarian Academy of Sciences. This relationship was bolstered by his election as an External Member of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in 1895, a prestigious honour from an institution with a history closely intertwined with the nation’s intellectual and cultural development. Stein’s ties with the Academy remained robust throughout his life, as he actively supported the organisation, engaging with fellow Hungarian scholars and contributing to Hungarian academic and scientific ventures. This dual allegiance, to both his adopted British homeland and his Hungarian roots, would leave an unforgettable impression on Stein’s extraordinary career and scholarly contributions.
Furthermore, Stein regularly contributed to Hungarian scientific periodicals and was a member of several Hungarian scientific societies. His contributions were not limited to his field but also spanned literature and cultural exploration, showing his deep appreciation for the nation of his birth. Through this partnership, Stein became a bridge between Central Asian studies, British academia, and the Hungarian scholarly world.
A Shared Passion for Exploration
Stein’s love for exploration and archaeology was not only a personal journey but also a bridge connecting him with like-minded scholars in Hungary. His enduring relationship with the Hungarian Academy of Sciences stemmed from shared passions and interests. From his early youth in Hungary to his international expeditions, Stein consistently expressed his gratitude for the support and encouragement he received from the Hungarian academic community.
A prime example of this shared passion was Stein’s discovery of the Caves of the Thousand Buddhas at Dunhuang, a significant archaeological find. The credit for this discovery was partially attributed to a Hungarian scientist, geologist, and geographer, Lajos Lóczy. Stein acknowledged Lóczy’s role in introducing him to these caves and expressed his appreciation for the precious finds they unearthed. This collaboration showcased how Stein’s expeditions often intersected with the work of Hungarian scholars, enriching his own research and fostering academic connections.
Stein actively participated in the activities of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, delivering lectures in Hungarian and contributing to the enrichment of its academic pursuits. Stein’s deep connections with Hungarian academics, as well as his bequests to the Academy, have left an enduring mark on Hungarian scholarship. His bequest of books and manuscripts, along with the establishment of the Stein-Arnold Fund, continues to support Hungarian and British scholars in exploring Central Asia.
Stein’s Legacy Donations to Hungarian Academia
Sir Aurel Stein’s connection with the Hungarian Academy of Sciences extended beyond his remarkable explorations and academic contributions. In 1921, Stein made a notable donation to the Academy, gifting his family letters, including the correspondence between his older brother, Erno Stein, and his uncle, Professor Ignác Hirschler, discussing Goethe’s literature. This collection found a special place in the Goethe Room of the Hungarian Academy of Sciences, preserving their cultural and literary heritage.
In his will, dated July 28, 1934, Stein laid out his desires for two significant actions connected to Hungary. Firstly, he bequeathed his printed books to the Hungarian Academy of Sciences in recognition of their pivotal role in his academic journey and personal development. His donation encompassed over 2,000 volumes, primarily focusing on Indian and Central Asian philology and archaeology. Secondly, he proposed the establishment of the Stein-Arnold Fund, a notable initiative still managed by the British Academy today, aimed at supporting British and Hungarian scholars in the exploration of Central Asia.
The process of executing Stein’s will was intricate, further complicated by international politics, ultimately resulting in the bequest reaching Budapest only in October 1957, fourteen years after Stein’s passing. The bequest included a substantial collection of 2,300 books and reprints, as well as 180 volumes of periodicals, all enriching the Library of the Academy.
Texts & Manuscripts
Analysing the contents of Stein’s library, it becomes evident that numerous works were acquired as complimentary copies from academic organisations and colleagues. The library mainly consisted of publications related to Central Asia, Indology, and Iranian studies, with an emphasis on Stein’s specific research needs. Although some multi-volume publications were incomplete, the collection remains of immense importance, as it holds numerous standard references crucial for research in these fields. Stein’s dedication to filling knowledge gaps, particularly during the interwar period when the Academy had limited resources for acquiring foreign books, underscores the significance of his bequest.
Beyond books, Stein’s donation contained treasures such as Turkish, Sanskrit, and Persian manuscripts, an extensive photographic collection of over 6,000 images, correspondence encompassing more than 1,400 letters from various individuals and institutions, maps, proof sheets, manuscripts of his works, anthropometric notes, expedition records and various documents reflecting his multifaceted life. Stein’s commitment to documenting his expeditions and scholarly endeavours shines through a wealth of press cuttings related to his work, emphasising his global impact as an explorer and academic.
In conclusion, Sir Mark Aurel Stein, though primarily remembered as a British archaeologist, owes a significant part of his intellectual and academic journey to his Hungarian roots and early exposure to Asian studies while in Hungary. By recognizing Stein’s Hungarian heritage and his enduring support for Hungarian academic institutions, we gain a more comprehensive understanding of the man behind the legendary archaeological expeditions and the indelible mark he left on the world of academia.