Romila Thapar Knihy

Focusing on early Indian history up to the first millennium A.D., this collection of essays offers fresh interpretations of textual and archaeological data. It challenges the notion that Indian civilization lacked a historical perspective, examining historical writing traditions and the role of institutions like museums. The essays also address the political exploitation of history and its contemporary implications. This revised edition, featuring four new essays, serves as a vital resource for scholars studying ancient societies, culture, and social formations in historical contexts.

The rich oeuvre of historical literature that Romila Thapar has authored holds a mirror to her remarkable personality. Like her writings do, she exudes confidence, conviction and commitment. She is honest, forthright and passionate. These qualities have made her the most articulate advocate of secularism and nationalism. She is neither a feminist nor a Marxist, but a humanist in whom all isms enter into a dialogue. -K.N. Panikkar

The book features a dynamic dialogue between historian Romila Thapar and theorist Gayatri Chakravorty Spivak, exploring the complexities of Indian identity. Through anecdotes and reflections, they navigate the historical narratives that have shaped the notion of India, addressing the challenges of essentialism and exclusion. The authors highlight the importance of education in fostering an inclusive understanding of the nation's diverse history, while tackling themes of nationalism and religion. Ultimately, they pose a critical question about contemporary Indian identity.

In 1957, renowned Indian historian Romila Thapar visited China, where, together with Sri Lankan art historian Anil de Silva, she worked at two cave sites that were the locations of Buddhist monasteries and shrines from the first millennium CE. The first site was the then lesser known Maijishan in north China, and the second was the famous site of Dunhuang on the edge of the Gobi desert in Northwest China. Now, decades later, she is supplementing the academic work that emerged from that trip with a captivating travelogue: Gazing Eastward takes readers back to midcentury China, through the observations that Thapar made in her diary during her time at the two archaeological sites and her trips there and to other sites. Traveling by train or truck, Thapar met people from throughout the country and all stations in society, from peasants on a cooperative farm to Chairman Mao himself. An enchanting document of a long-lost era, Gazing Eastward is a marvel, a richly observed work of travel writing that brings a time and a place fully to life.

A powerful history of the long tradition of political dissent in India published at a moment when the very idea of dissent is under attack.

Pt. I. History and the public. 1. Interpretations of early Indian history ; Historical perspectives of nation-building ; 3. Of histories and identities ; 4. In defence of history ; 5. Writing history textbooks: a memoir ; 6. Glimpses of a possible history from below: early India -- pt. II. Concerning religion and history. 7. Communalism: a historical perspective ; 8. Religion and the secularizing of Indian society ; 9. Syndicated Hinduism -- pt. III. Debates. 10. Which of us are Aryans ; 11. Dating the epics ; 12. The epic of the Bharatas ; 13. The Ramayana syndrome ; 14. In defence of the variant ; 15. Historical memory without history ; 16. The many narratives of Somanatha -- pt. IV. Our women-then and now. 17. Women in the Indian past ; 18. Becoming a Sati - the problematic widow ; 19. Rape within a cycle of violence.

Exploring the complex concepts of nationalism, patriotism, and cultural freedom, this book delves into the distinctions between true nationalism and its pseudo forms. It questions the significance of nationalist slogans and the ongoing relevance of sedition laws in a democratic society. By examining the implications of these themes, the author prompts readers to reflect on the vision for India and the identity of its citizens, encouraging a critical dialogue on the values that shape the nation’s future.