Eminent Historian Sumit Sarkar Passes Away

Individual Profile: Sumit Sarkar, a prominent Marxist historian, passed away at the age of 87 in New Delhi. He was a notable scholar of modern Indian history and had a significant teaching career at the University of Delhi and abroad.

Academic Contributions:

• Authored key works including:
  • "Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, 1903-1908" (1973)
  • "Modern India" (1989)
  • "Writing Social History" (1998)
• Co-edited influential texts such as "Women and Social Reform in Modern India" (2007) and "Caste in Modern India" (2013).

Education:

• Completed BA (Honours) in History at Presidency College, Kolkata.
• Obtained Master’s and Ph.D. from the University of Calcutta.

Recognition:

• Remembered as a “doyen of historians” and praised for his engaging teaching style and ability to convey complex ideas succinctly.
• Described as a rare Marxist historian who explored culture and emotions, in addition to economic perspectives.

Impact on Students and Colleagues:

• Students and colleagues recalled him as an inspiring educator who fostered intellectual growth and engagement.
• His death is seen as a significant loss to the academic community and history students.

Legacy: His extensive research and writings have contributed to a deeper understanding of 19th and 20th-century Bengal and Indian history.