The practice of history in India: essays in search of a new past

Description

In the last few decades, professional historians have raised important questions regarding the theories, methods and practices of history extant since the earliest times. Oral and Visual History have assumed a new importance in our times. To make Indian MA students aware of these historical methods the course Practice of History was introduced in the History Department of Delhi University some years ago. The course includes topics like Modern Historiography, the Annales School, Marxist History and Oral History. This book presents seven essays on history as it can be practised productively in India. It is pedagogically important to students and teachers of history in India. Free from jargon, it is presented in easily readable English. Meant primarily for undergraduate, graduate and postgraduate students, it will also be appreciated by the lay public. Readers will certainly rethink their historical perspectives in response to the issues of theory raised critically in this book.