Aspects of Indian History and Historiography (Prof. Kalyan Kumar Dasgupta Felicitation Volume)

The book contains research papers based on intensive study and field work by authors who are renowned for deep erudition and critical acumen. The topics cater to the requirements of Scholars working on various aspects of Political and Socio-economic history, popular movements, India and the External world and historiography. A study of this interesting and illuminating volume will be highly rewarding.

Dr. P.K. Mishra, Ph.D., D. Litt. (b.1937) is the Senior most Professor of History, Sambalpur University, Orissa. His major works are (i) Political History of Orissa, 1900-1937 (New Delhi, 1979) (ii) Evolution of Orissa and her Culture (Calcutta, 1983); (iii) History of Orissa (Co-author) (Cuttack,1980). His edited works are: (i) Madhusudan Das, the Legislator (Ranchi, 1980); (iii) Modern World, A New Perspective (New Delhi, 1989) (iii) Culture, Tribal History and Freedom Movement (New Delhi, 1989), (iv) Heritage of India, Past and Present, 2 vols (New Delhi, 1994) etc. He was Secretary, Orissa History Congress (1978-82) and its President during 1986-87 and 1994-95. He was the Editor of the Journal of Orissa History during 1979-82. He has several other publications to his credit. He conducted a research project sponsored by the Ford Foundation of India during 1989-93 for the Survey and Documentation of Monuments in the Upper Mahanadi Valley.

Professor Kalyan Kumar Dasgupta is a familiar name in the domain of Indology. An exhaustive list of his publications has been furnished as Appendix to the present volume to provide a glimpse of the vast panorama of intellectual pursuits of the learned scholar. This volume represents yet another attempt to felicitate him for his significant contributions as an lndologist and man of letters. In response to our request large number of papers were received from various corners of the world in recognition of Professor Dasgupta’s scholarship. The papers compiled in this volume represent various aspects of Indian history and historiography covering a wide range of subjects which include popular movements, tribal history, system of education, role of temples, traditions and social customs, trade and ports, India’s foreign policy and on historiography. As the papers have been contributed by specialists on the concerned subject, the reader will have the advantage of going through the best in his area of interest. In compiling the papers the Editors have taken pains to ensure the qualitative aspect as befitting tribute to the great savant of Bengal. They will feel their humble labour fruitful if the volume meets the expectations of the students and scholars engaged in historical research.

We are thankful to M/s. Kaveri Books for showing keen interest in bringing out this work with meticulous care and diligence.