Sub-Continental Majoritarianisms

Abstract

[Until her untimely death in late 2006 at her residence in Patna, Professor Papiya Ghosh taught History at Patna University. Her chosen areas of specialisation spanned modern and contemporary Indian history. In particular, she was interested in the critical and complex issues raised by the National movement, the trauma caused by partition, the emergence of the modern nation-state, and in mapping the current socio-political scenario in Bihar—the state she chose to stay in, notwithstanding an environment which was not always conducive to academic pursuits. The article published here, ‘Sub-continental Majoritarianisms’ was written in 2005–2006. It holds up a mirror to some troubling trends, and expresses Professor Ghosh's deep concerns about the likely course of their denouement.—Editor]