Meeting with Romila Thapar

Author with Romila Thapar at her residence in Delhi earlier this year

By Dr. VK Raju

It was a dream come true when I finally go to see the great historian. I recalled the comment of Indira Majumder on Romila.

“It was a breath of fresh air! The tall historian Romila Thapar took an editorial pen, a new orientation to observe the events of history! Here is an author who has penned the book “History of India “50 years ago with all the young energy and emotions of the newly emancipated India! The author looked at the data on India with lenses powered with contemporary beliefs and ideals. But the same author forty years later took the courage,

kind of cleared her eyes to look at the historical events, facts, people’s attitude, philosophy,

values, morals and perspectives of life! Here in the revision of “History of India “she talks about -History is not just the kings and queens, dates when they were born and married and won a war! History is about the people of the land, the way of life and culture!

Romila Thapar understood the essence of the history of a nation, pulse of the land, including people, dynasty, means of production, social mores, and religious practices. Romila Thapar added to the knowledge base of world history through her work -The Penguin History of Early India: From the Origins to AD 1300!”

I was overwhelmed with emotion to see this wonderful lady. The time I spent with her was educative and elevating. I long to look her up again and have a share of her sublime thoughts. Hopefully, soon.

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