TCN - Assam's Quest to Modernity: A Journey Through History - Dr. Arupjyoti Saikia

The Chicken-Neck Podcast

In the final episode of Season 3 of our podcast, we are joined by Dr. Arupjytoi Saikia, a professor of history at the Indian Institute of Technology, Guwahati.

Prof. Saikia is the author of - Forests and Ecological History of Assam, 1826-2000 (OUP, 2011), A Century of Protests: Peasant Politics in Assam since 1900 (Rutledge, 2014), and The Unquiet River: A Biography of the Brahmaputra (OUP, 2019). His A Century of Protests won the Srikant Dutt Book Prize awarded by the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi in 2015. The Unquiet River was short-listed for the Kamala Devi Chattopadhyay Book Award in 2020 and long-listed for the Atta Galatta-Bangalore Literature Festival Book Prize in 2020 and got ‘Honorable Mention’ for Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy Book Prize in 2021 given by the Association of Asian Studies.

In this episode, we embark on a captivating journey through Assam's rich political history, unveiling its pivotal role in shaping the modern Indian subcontinent. We delve into the historical tapestry that has intricately woven Assam's identity, examining the profound impact of the struggle for independence and India's partition on its trajectory.

Our discussion is centered around the compelling insights from the latest book, "The Quest for Modern Assam: A History," which meticulously explores the interconnected realms of politics, environment, economy, and culture, shaping Assam since the 1940s. This authoritative account not only redefines the writing of regional political history but also offers an unmissable opportunity for those intrigued by Assam, India, Asia, or global history in the twentieth century.

Join us as we unravel the intricate layers of Assam's past, tracing back to ancient dynasties that once governed the land and examining the pivotal moments that led to its integration into the Indian Union. From the majestic reign of the Ahom Kingdom to the complexities of the British colonial era, and from the fervent fight for independence to the challenges posed by partition, we untangle the threads that compose Assam's exceptional political narrative.

This exploration offers an insight into the legacies, obstacles, and triumphs that have molded Assam's modern identity, providing a deeper comprehension of the region's significance within the broader context of India's history. This episode guarantees an enlightening journey through Assam's timeline, unveiling the defining factors that have sculpted its political landscape and contributed to its place in the nation's overarching narrative.

Find information about his latest book at: - https://www.penguin.co.in/book/the-quest-for-modern-assam-a-history/

Find the book at amazon: - https://www.amazon.in/Quest-Modern-Assam-Arupjyoti-Saikia/dp

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