The Australia India Institute and the Contemporary Histories Research Group hosted Professor Ramachandra Guha on 10 November 2016 for a seminar titled “The Challenge of Contemporary History”.

We are pleased to be able to share the seminar recordings, and thank Professor Guha.

Abstract: This presentation and discussion explores a paradox; while the Republic of India is arguably the most ambitious political experiment in the modern world, its complicated and tortuous career has attracted few serious historians. Indian historians remain obsessed with the colonial period, with the perfidies of the Raj and the ideological debates of nationalisms, while massively neglecting the fascinating, formative, decades that followed the departure of the British in India. The presentation analyses this puzzling neglect, before suggesting ways in which more scholars can start to constructively engage with contemporary history.

Introduction – Professor David Lowe

Professor Ramachandra Guha:

The Challenges of Contemporary History: Universal, General and Unique to India: Part I

The Challenges of Contemporary History: Universal, General and Unique to India: Part 2

Personal Experiences in Writing Indian History Post-1947

Surprises in Research and Larger Conclusions: India After Gandhi

“Prophecies of Doom to Prophecies of Superpower-dom”