Historian Sumit Sarkar dies at 87

Eminent historian Sumit Sarkar has died at his residence in New Delhi at the age of 87. He had been suffering from age-related ailments for some time.

A founding member of the Subaltern Studies Collective, Sarkar was a prominent Marxist historian known for his work on colonialism, nationalism, and the Indian freedom movement. His scholarship focused on the experiences of various social groups, classes, and popular movements, often challenging conventional, leader-centered historical accounts.

His seminal works include ‘The Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, 1903-1908’, ‘Modern India: 1885–1947’, and ‘Writing Social History’. He held teaching positions at the University of Calcutta, the University of Burdwan, and most notably, the University of Delhi.

Sarkar is survived by his wife, historian Tanika Sarkar, and his son, Aditya Sarkar, an associate professor of South Asian History at the University of Warwick.