Romila Thapar Reflects on History, Education, and Her Memoir 'Just Being'
Romila Thapar on her memoir ‘Just Being’, battle over history, JNU and the Aryan question

Image: The Indian Express
Historian Romila Thapar discusses her memoir 'Just Being', her journey through Indian history, and the current state of education in India. At 94, she reflects on her life, the evolution of historical narratives, and the ideological battles surrounding history today, particularly regarding the Aryan question and the state of Jawaharlal Nehru University.
- 01Romila Thapar's memoir, 'Just Being', chronicles her life and the intertwined history of India, written during the COVID-19 pandemic.
- 02Thapar emphasizes the importance of questioning historical narratives, particularly regarding the Aryan debate, where she supports the view of Aryans originating from Central Asia.
- 03She expresses deep concern over the current state of Jawaharlal Nehru University, lamenting the systematic dismantling of its intellectual foundation.
- 04Thapar critiques the removal of significant historical periods, like the Mughal era, from educational curricula, arguing it distorts the understanding of contemporary society.
- 05She raises alarms about the impact of Artificial Intelligence on historical scholarship, fearing it may propagate arbitrary narratives.
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Romila Thapar, a prominent historian and author, recently shared insights from her memoir 'Just Being', which reflects on her life and the broader historical context of India. At 94, Thapar recalls her early fascination with history, shaped by her upbringing and education, particularly her studies at the School of Oriental and African Studies in London. She highlights the importance of understanding history as a dynamic field that goes beyond mere narratives, advocating for a focus on the 'why' and 'how' of historical events. Thapar expresses concern over the current ideological battles surrounding history, particularly the Aryan question, where she argues against the notion of Aryan indigeneity, asserting evidence supports their Central Asian origins. She also critiques the recent changes in educational curricula, particularly the exclusion of the Mughal period, which she believes undermines a comprehensive understanding of Indian history. Thapar laments the state of Jawaharlal Nehru University, where she taught, noting a troubling trend of suppressing dissent and intellectual inquiry. She warns of the challenges posed by social media and Artificial Intelligence in shaping historical discourse, emphasizing the need for rigorous academic standards to combat misinformation. Through her reflections, Thapar remains committed to the pursuit of knowledge and the importance of history in shaping contemporary society.
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Thapar's insights on the state of education and historical narratives highlight the importance of maintaining academic integrity and fostering critical thinking in Indian society.
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