History and Politics in Post-Colonial India

This book discusses the developments in modern historiography and historical culture in India. It explores contemporary discourses and debates in the public sphere, focusing on the politicization of history as also the historicization of politics. This book provides an insight to the teaching and writing of history in postcolonial India. It traces the different events that shaped postcolonial Indian historiography like the textbook controversies from 1970s to the present day; the historical perspectives surrounding the Babri Masjid; flaring up of religious sentiments over ‘beef-eating’; and the debate over the existence of Ram Sethu. The book also explores how Indian historians attempted to decolonize history and ‘reclaim’ Indian history from its colonial past. It outlines how history is used as means to forge national identity and shape notions of citizenship in independent India. Discussing diverse areas — such as methodological research and the public use of history; nationalism and communalism; cultural identity and diversity; social movements; and the role of women, Adivasis, and Dalits in a multicultural society — this book explores how politics and history have shaped each other in independent India This book discusses the developments in modern historiography and historical culture in India. It explores the relationship between history and politics with special regard to the question of cultural diversity. The author examines the on-going debates and trends of history writing in India-scientific and political claims in the rewriting of history; methodology and the public use of history; historical instruction for the education of citizens; and issues related to collective memory and pluralistic identity. This book will be of considerable interest to scholars and students of history and politics. It will also interest general readers. This Book Discusses The Developments In Modern Historiography And Historical Culture In India. It Explores Contemporary Discourses And Debates In The Public Sphere, Focusing On The Politicization Of History And Also The Historicization Of Politics. Michael Gottlob. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [267]-292) And Index.