Historian Sumit Sarkar passes away

Renowned historian Sumit Sarkar has passed away on August 13, 2026. Over a career spanning five decades, Sarkar transformed the study of modern Indian history by centering the experiences of ordinary people and examining the emancipatory trends within the struggle against colonial rule.

His scholarship was noted for rejecting dominant orthodoxies. His work, such as ‘The Swadeshi Movement in Bengal, 1903–1908’ and ‘Modern India, 1885–1947’, challenged both the Cambridge School’s focus on elite factionalism and uncritical nationalist mythologies. He was recognized for integrating rigorous historical inquiry with socialist values, often participating in social and academic struggles, such as picket lines and the defense of civil liberties.

Colleagues have remembered him not only for his intellectual contributions but also for his character. He was noted for his commitment to fairness and his willingness to stand up against inappropriate practices in academic settings, such as defending candidates from gender-biased questioning during interviews.