Indian History Research Articles

Revolt of 1857 in Cachar District of Assam: A Re-emphasis

The revolt of 1857 had a significant impact in the Cachar district of Assam like other national allied activities. Many national historians asserts that the Cachar as well as Assam remained largely unaffected by the great revolt. But there are evidences which suggests that the echoes of the revolt felt in the Cachar district of southern Assam. The British administration, under figures like Captain Stewart, remained vigilant against potential uprisings, indicating an underlying tension despite a facade of tranquility. The common folk of Barak valley composed innumerable ballads and songs on the incident of the revolt which occurred in this region. There are also official documents to prove that the revolt affected the Cachar district. The revolt in Cachar emerged primarily as an extension of discontent from Bengal, with the local populace largely indifferent to the mutineers. The mutineers of 34th Native Infantry regiment marched to Cachar from Chittagong and the British army tried to suppress them. while the revolt of 1857 marked a pivotal moment in Indian history, its impact in Cachar was characterized by a lack of local support for the mutineers and minimal involvement from the common people. This paper aims to explore the nature and implications of the revolt in Cachar, detailing its limited but notable manifestations. The study indicates that while Cachar did not experience overt mutinies like other parts of India, it was not entirely insulated from the turmoil. The paper also discusses how the British forces managed to suppress potential uprisings, with notable incidents involving the 34th Native Infantry Regiment. Encounters between mutineers and colonial troops led to casualties and highlighted the region's precarious situation, exacerbated by the presence of tribal populations and discontented soldiers.

The Saffronization of Public Knowledge in India

Abstract During the political regime of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), public knowledge in India has been tarnished with political colors. The BJP has used the color saffron, which is closely associated with the Indian National Flag, as a sociopolitical tool to signal patriotism, nationalism, indigenization, and decolonization. However, the government’s policies and messages focus on the self-profiting mechanisms of Hindutva ideology. According to the BJP, the notions of pre-colonial knowledge systems and patriotism are only related to the Hindu religion. Thus, public knowledge in India has been politicized through “saffronization”: the color saffron, rightwing political ideologies, and religious fundamentalism combine to create false beliefs about Indian history and culture, which then inspire and excuse hate and crime.

Revolutionaries, coercive institutions and the crisis of collaboration in interwar India

Earlier generations of historians interpreted revolutionary politics of the interwar period within a paradigm of failure, on the basis that it did not bring about an immediate shift in the colonial dominance in South Asia. Following the ‘revolutionary turn’ in South Asian history, scholars have suggested that revolutionary politics needs to be read for the ways in which it shifted mainstream nationalist strategies and influenced other outcomes, both intended and unintended. This article deepens this analysis, by considering an unexplored outcome of the revolutionary politics of the Hindustan Socialist Republican Association (HSRA): its impact on Indians employed in British institutions, especially coercive institutions such as the police and prisons. These employees may not have resigned from their posts, and ultimately these coercive institutions remained coercive and violent at a macro level. However, based on the evidence presented here, it is clear there was a faintly discernible but important micropolitics emerging from within these institutions, which indicates that some exhibited admiration and sympathy for revolutionary prisoners, quietly and surreptitiously working to ameliorate systems of coercion and punishment, in the process undermining coercive institutions from within. Such a reading prompts a rethinking of paradigms of collaborators as colonial enablers, allowing us to see the withdrawal of cooperation with the colonial regime as a process, which becomes perceptible in the context of anticolonial movements in the late interwar period.

Advancing emigrants' rights in India: strategies of civil society in spaces for engagement

ABSTRACT This article explores Indian civil society's efforts to promote the rights of migrant Indian labourers working abroad in low-wage employment as a response to weakly institutionalized rights frameworks in the global and India's national governance of labour migration. Existing scholarship has explored civil societies' advocacy in multi-national fora, at regional levels, and as forms of transnationally organized networks, but only marginally at the analytical level of migrant-origin states. The article examines their multi-level and multi-stakeholder strategies through the analytical lens of spaces for engagement. Drawing on original qualitative data, this article shows that civil society organizations play a leading role in (e)migration governance in India and are key to understanding the politics of migration of the world’s largest migrant-origin state. In particular, the local and subnational levels are important entry points to advance their agendas in the context of migrant-origin states.

The Rise and Fall of Chanda Kochhar: Icici’s Governance Breakdown and its Linkage to SDG 5, 8 and 16

Objectives: The primary objective of this paper is to explore how corporate governance failures can disrupt progress toward SDGs by eroding organizational commitment and sustainability. Theoretical Framework : This paper has adopted “The Stewardship Theory” model to align with the Corporate Governance practices at ICICI Bank and thereby highlight the flaws in the system. Method: Chanda Kochhar began her career at ICICI Bank in 1984 as a Management Trainee. After navigating through a fierce succession battle, she rose to the level of Managing Director in 2009. She became the first woman in Indian history to lead a mighty bank, succeeding the group Chairman K.V. Kamath. She was the face of Women Empowerment in India till one fine day when she was accused of corporate misconduct and quid pro quo for her involvement in questionable deals between her husband and Venugopal Dhoot, which were brought to light by whistle-blower Arvind Gupta, prompting an investigation. Results and Discussion: After preliminary hitches, the Central Bureau of Investigation thoroughly investigated this matter and found Chanda Kochhar guilty. This breakdown greatly impacted ICICI and had larger implications for achieving sustainability development goals (SDGs), predominantly those related to strong institutions & ethical leadership SDG 16, gender equality SDG 5 and decent work and economic growth SDG 8. Research Implications: It was brought to light by an autonomous investigation that ICICI Banks’ CEO had failed to adhere to the set rules, regulations, and policies of the bank. In fact, she had dishonored the bank’s norms. This episode demonstrates how corporate governance failures can disrupt progress toward SDGs by eroding organizational commitment and sustainability.

Slavery, Mobility, and Identity on the Western Coast of India, Sixteenth–Eighteenth Centuries

AbstractIn the wake of the establishment of the Portuguese in the region, slavery was fundamentally constitutive of early modern society on the west coast of India. While indigenous hierarchies and existing systems of slavery shaped Portuguese slavery, over time, indigenous society too was transformed by the extensive reliance on enslaved labor facilitated by European trafficking networks. Centering slavery in the study of South Asian history underscores the importance of considering the difference between elite projects of enforcing boundaries, both spatial and social, and the ways in which enslaved people negotiated these projects. Thus, instead of taking for granted the classificatory labels of race, caste, and blackness imposed upon enslaved peoples by elite institutions, a social history of slavery elucidates instead the evolution of these mechanisms for policing identity, and the centrality of the expropriation of labor in identity formation.

Social Reforms and Political Activism Unpacking the Dual Role of Khudai Khidmatgar Movement

This article examines the Khudai Khidmatgar Movement, led by Khan Abdul Ghaffar Khan popularly known as Fakhr-i-Afghan Bacha khan, which played a pivotal role in social reform and political activism in colonial India. Founded in 1929, the movement adopted non-violent resistance to British rule while also addressing deep-rooted social issues within Pashtun society, such as factionalism, illiteracy, poverty, social and gender discrimination and blood feuds. Implying indegounious values, knowledge and tools, Ghaffar Khan promoted education, unity, and peaceful coexistence among his people, challenging the British narrative of Pashtuns as inherently violent. The article explores how the movement, initially focused on socio-educational reforms, evolved into a powerful force advocating for Indian independence, aligning with other non-violent movements like those led by Gandhi. Despite significant obstacles from the British and local elites, the Khudai Khidmatgar gained mass support, with over 100,000 members at its peak. The article highlights the movement’s transformative impact on Pashtun society and its contributions to the broader anti-colonial struggle, positioning it as a significant yet underappreciated chapter in South Asian history. This articles has relied on both primamry and secondary data for qualitative analysis, with most reliance on primary sorces of data collection. For this purpose, extensive interviews were conducted.

Suharwardia Sufi Order The Spiritual Legacy, Influence, Contributions & Connections of Shaikh Rukn-e-Alam in South Asia

Hazrat Shaikh Rukn-e-Alam was an admired Sufi saint belonging to the Suhrawardia order who was born in Multan in 1251 AD. He was the descendant of Hazrat Bahauddin Zakariya who was educated in the city of Baghdad & later started following Sheikh Shahab-ud-Din Sahurwardi. Sheikh Bahauddin was sent to Multan by his master for the spiritual guidance of the people. Shaikh Rukn-e-Alam carried on the legacy of his grandfather as an esteemed Sufi saint, known for his spiritual teachings and literary works. Shaikh Rukn-e-Alam was widely renowned for his kind-heartedness and empathy, miraculous healings and charitable deeds. After his death in 1334 AD, his disciples continued to promote his spiritual guidance marking a significant era in Sufi history in India. Shaikh Rukn-e-Alam, a respected Sufi saint significantly influenced his era by advocating for inclusiveness and compassion to foster unity among diverse groups of people. His close relationships with rulers (governors, kings, Sultans) like Alauddin Khilji, Ghiyasuddin Tughlaq & Muhammad bin Tughlaq showcased a reciprocal bond of respect and influence as he assisted the underprivileged and settled conflicts. Despite engaging in political scheming, his relationship with Khwaja Nizamuddin Auliya prioritized spiritual unity over rivalry among the saints. The shrine of Shaikh remains a purposeful destination for pilgrims in Multan demonstrating the enduring impact of his legacy of compassion over the years. This research focuses on the lineage/ancestry, political involvement of this saint, connections with other saints and religious duties of the Suharwardia order specifically Shaikh Rukn-e-Alam.

Gendering of Space Through Indian History: A Geographical Perspective

Access to space is determined by a number of social, cultural, and economic factors. Feminists see gender as a key factor in determining how space can be used. Through much of Indian history, women have been confined to domestic space while men enjoyed freedom of movement in public space. This made the lives of women different from those of men. The close association between the superiority of a caste and the purity of its blood meant that upper-caste women were kept in seclusion in order to control their sexuality. Confinement of women denied them access to education and economic power. In the colonial period, an educated woman came to be seen as a better partner for the westernized male. Consequently, some women gained access to education. Participation in the freedom struggle further expanded their spaces, but the foundations of patriarchy were not challenged. Attitudes toward women and public spaces have changed in recent times. However, women face several obstacles in accessing public spaces, especially after dark. They are now resisting the restraints on their freedom, and are using various forms of protest against the denial of their right to equality.

Re-reading on the Conversion and Caste Supremacy among the Dalit Christians in Kerala

Religious conversion played a considerable change in the socio-religious life of Kerala, especially among the indigenous communities. The socio-religious upheaval movement was one of the landmarks in the history of Kerala during the 19th century. During this period, there was a considerable transformation in the socio-economic life in Kerala affected by the ‘civilizing mission’ of the protestant missionaries in the physical life of the natives, such as social, economic, political, educational, and cultural life. For that purpose, they used the tools of modernity, like fashion, food, rituals, beliefs, etc. It cannot be neglected that the missionaries in the 19th century played a notable role in the society. But we cannot read the history of Indigenous people regardless of the history produced by culture, politics, religion, and values. Conversion is a strong historical tradition that treats Christianity as an offshoot of colonialism. In the Indian context, Christianity is an integral part of the socio-cultural history of the nation, rather than as people are separated from it. During this period witnessed tremendous changes in almost all fields of socio-economic life. That is why historians considered, the 19th century as the decisive period as far as Indian history is concerned. These changes were visible in the traditional life of the native Dalit peoples and were mainly brought about by the colonial impact. The backward Christians, under the dominance of the ruling majority and the economic dominance of them, could not develop a proper ideology. There is an opinion that Dalit conversion was peripheral and one-sided. That is, it happened under the influence of British hegemony and missionary influence. Religious conversion gave the slave society a kind of religious unity. But it could not completely develop freedom. Today Christian congregations face the struggle for democratization.

Reviving the Identity of Historic Town – A Case of Sindkhedraja

India being a country with great cultural diversities has a number of historical towns that have been very significant in the annals of the country. Sometimes their features include unique architectural structures, cultural activities, and historical background; however, these towns experience numerous difficulties in the contemporary world. Their cultural identity is under threat due to the effects of speedy urbanization, societal disregard, and shift in social status. Thus, the aim of this research is to discover how to restore and maintain the character and identity of these historical towns while promoting sustainable development. This research paper aims to bring out the historical importance of Sindkhedraja, the present day issues that have let it lose its identity and how it can be revived in the state of Maharashtra. Famous for its historical background and its historical connections with Jijabai, the mother of Maratha king Shivaji, Sindkhedraja holds a prestigious position in the Indian history. The goal of this paper is to focus on the historical significance of this town, discuss the causes of the situation that it is in now, and present long term measures that could be taken to resurrect the town.

Review of An Unholy Brew: Alcohol in Indian History and Religions.

Review of An Unholy Brew: Alcohol in Indian History and Religions.

Lantana Camara Linn: A Review on Chemical Constituents and Medicinal Approach

The use of plant-based medicine has a long history in India. Few herbal medications out of the many that are used in India have received thorough research to far. An evergreen plant native to India is called Lantana camara. Scientific evidence has backed the traditional uses of it in the treatment of a wide range of illnesses. There are phytoconstituents in every area of Lantana camara, according to a number of literatures. Scientists and researchers have been extensively studying the chemical makeup of the entire L. camara plant as well as its biological pharmacological properties for the past few decades, all over the world. As a prospective candidate for drug discovery, these research demonstrated the medicinal potential of Lantana camara in contemporary medicine. This page discusses Lantana camara’s toxicological and pharmacological properties.

Anna Sailer, Workplace Relations in Colonial Bengal: The Jute Industry and Indian Labour 1870s–1930s [Critical Perspectives in South Asian History.] Bloomsbury Academic, London 2022. xiv, 298 pp. £90.00. (Paper: £28.99; E-book: £26.09.)

Anna Sailer, Workplace Relations in Colonial Bengal: The Jute Industry and Indian Labour 1870s–1930s [Critical Perspectives in South Asian History.] Bloomsbury Academic, London 2022. xiv, 298 pp. £90.00. (Paper: £28.99; E-book: £26.09.)

Bangladesh-Pakistan Conflict: An Overview

The Bangladesh-Pakistan conflict, rooted in the events of 1971, marked a pivotal moment in South Asian history. The conflict emerged from deep-seated political, economic, and cultural disparities between East Pakistan (now Bangladesh) and West Pakistan (now Pakistan). Despites East Pakistan's larger population, political power was concentrated in West Pakistan, leading to widespread discontent. In the 1970 general elections, the Awami League, led by Sheikh Mujibur Rahman, won a majority but was denied power, igniting demands for autonomy in East Pakistan. The situation escalated on March 25, 1971, when the Pakistani military launched Operation Searchlight, a brutal crackdown aimed at quelling the independence movement. This resulted in mass atrocities, including killings, rapes, and the displacement of millions. The ensuing Bangladesh Liberation War saw the emergence of the Mukti Bahini (Liberation Army), with significant civilian support for independence. India's intervention, both in terms of support for the Mukti Bahini and direct military involvement, was crucial in the conflict's resolution. The war ended with the surrender of Pakistani forces on December 16, 1971, leading to the creation of Bangladesh as an independent nation. The conflict caused extensive loss of life and destruction, leaving a legacy of strained Bangladesh-Pakistan relations and ongoing efforts to address the war's human rights violations.

The secular cleansing that wasn’t: “Vande Mataram” and the expurgated story of Indian nationalism

ABSTRACT This article shows the religious iconography of Indian nationalism by observing the manner in which the defining text of the Hindu Right came to legitimize an unapologetically majoritarian nationalism. It revisits the history of the Indian independence movement through its architects’ handling of the song “Vande Mataram” and its idolization of the nation as a Hindu goddess. Tracing its relevance to the hegemony of Hindutva in India today, the article then reads Bankimchandra Chattopadhyay’s 1881-82 novel Anandamath to study the connection between the song and its parent text, and to thereby understand the politics of secular cleansing which strives for the secular by purging from the communal that which is unambiguously sectarian. Consequently, the article argues that the story of “Vande Mataram” becomes an unparalleled example in Indian history of how the secular is structured on the ideological foundations of the communal and is therefore conceptually intertwined with it.

PHYSICAL FITNESS FOR BHARATANATYA DANCERS

Bharatanatyam is an Indian classical dance that originated from Tamil Nadu in southern India. It is a tradition steeped in Indian history and culture. Today, Bharatanatyam is a dance style that encompasses religious and non-religious themes, as well as fusion styles. Characterized by precise movements, sharp edges, and expressive body language, this tradition has delighted audiences for generations. Like many other aspects of Indian tradition, this art form has struggled through times of oppression. However, with the efforts of teachers and students all over the world, Bharatanatyam has been revived to continue to serve the people who find joy in the formal and intuitive expressions embodied in the structure of the dance. Bharatanatyam, an ancient classical dance style originating from South India, combines aesthetic beauty, spiritual expression, and physical skill. Bharatanatyam mesmerizes global audiences with its rich cultural background, exquisite footwork, beautiful gestures, and expressive narrative. The dancer's physical health is crucial for performing intricate movements with accuracy, strength, and elegance in this art form.

BHARATANATYAM ENHANCING KIDS WITH ASD & ID

Bharatanatyam is an Indian classical dance that originated in the Hindu temples of Tamil Nadu in southern India. Bharatanatyam dance is a tradition steeped in Indian history and culture. Today, Bharatanatyam is a dance style that encompasses religious and non-religious themes, as well as fusion styles. Characterized by precise movements, sharp edges, and expressive body language, this tradition has delighted audiences for generations. Like many other aspects of Indian tradition, this art form has struggled through times of oppression. However, with the efforts of teachers and students all over the world, Bharatanatyam has been revived to continue to serve the people who find joy in the formal and intuitive expressions embodied in the structure of the dance. It serves as a transforming experience that empowers youngsters with disabilities and autism. Bharatanatyam helps individuals discover their voices, build confidence, and enhance the physical and cognitive abilities needed to overcome life's obstacles. This art form facilitates communication, promoting inclusivity and comprehension among youngsters with varying abilities. Observing the beauty of Bharatanatyam in these young individuals serves as a powerful reminder of the significant influence that art and culture can have on the human spirit, surpassing boundaries and honouring diversity.

STRATEGIC IMPORTANCE OF ANCIENT INDIAN MARITIME POWER

India is a peninsular country bounded by the lofty Himalayas in the north, is surrounded by oceans and seas on three sides and has a 7,517 km long coastline. The Indian Ocean engulfs the country in its South. It has recently re-emerged as a sphere of power politics in International Relations. The following slok of Vishnu Purana illustrates the Geo-Strategic importance of Bharat.उत्तरं यत् समुद्रस्य हिमाद्रेश्चैव दक्षिणम् |वर्षं तद् भारतं नाम भारती यत्र सन्ततिः || विष्णु पुराण २.३.१The country that lies north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains is called Bhāratam, there dwells the descendants of Bharat.China is in India’s backyard, an expansionist and imperialist power challenging the aspects of maritime security in the region, and Pakistan is a hostile neighbour, it is high time that a comprehensive framework of India’s maritime security is developed. As an ancient civilisation, the country has a rich legacy of its naval prowess. The civilisational culture from the ancient land of Bharat spread worldwide, especially in Southeast Asian, African, Central Asian, and East Asian countries through the Indian Ocean. The Indian Ocean, therefore, is not merely a waterbody. Instead, it captures the essence of India’s religion and cultural wave, transcending even to the neighbouring countries. India's history, art, mythology and literature are replete with numerous instances of the importance of the Indian Ocean in the lives of the Indian people. The cultural depth of the Indian civilisation is as deep as the Indian Ocean. Therefore, this article argues about the strategic relevance of ancient India’s maritime diplomacy.

A PARTICIPATORY APPROACH IN DECISION MAKING - CREATION OF THE STATE AS DOCUMENTED IN AGAÑÑA SUTTA OF THE DIGHA NIKAYA

Gautama Buddha`s presence in Indian history introduced a rational perspective in a society dominated by dogmatic and illogical beliefs. His practical approach encouraged logical and practical thinking among common people, as seen in the Tripitaka literature, which includes the Sutta, Vinaya, and Abhidhamma Pitika. The suttas, a collection of lectures, dialogues, and analogies by Buddha, document his aim to offer viable solutions to societal dissatisfaction. He recognized the widespread suffering caused by conflicting societal beliefs—monastic life versus materialistic wealth and rituals. The suttas highlight the violence in rituals, such as animal slaughter and flora vandalism, leading to inner conflict. Rather than criticizing these beliefs, Buddha empathetically appealed to people`s rationale. He identified dissatisfaction as the root issue, causing societal dissension. To address this, Buddha adapted his teachings to Pali, the language of the masses, within the democratic Gana Sangha political system. His organization of monks and nuns (Bhikkhus and Bhikkunis) systematically documented and spread his teachings. Buddha`s understanding of decision-making imbalances set a holistic coordinated approach. In the Agañña Sutta, he discusses the contractual origin of the Rashtra, emphasizing decentralized, participatory governance with core values.