The Economic History of India: Historiographical Issues and Perspectives

Speakers: Prof. Suchandra Ghosh, Dept. of History, University of Hyderabad; Prof. Dr. R. Mahalakshmi, Professor, Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University; Professor K.M. Shrimali, former Professor, Department of History, University of Delhi; Prof. Ranabir Chakravarti, former Professor, Centre for Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University; and Dr Abhimanyu Kumar

Chair: Prof. Romila Thapar

The talk is based on a project by Prof. Ghosh and Prof.Mahalakshmi that brings together the latest research using new sources such as the Genizah Records to draw attention to the vast and unexplored terrain of the economic history of early India. A rich and diverse area of study covering agricultural developments, trade, markets, occupational and professional groups, urbanisation and the institutions that govern economy. The project discusses material culture and provides insights into the lived experience of early Indians, the kinds of activities they were engaged in and their production activities within and outside domestic spaces