Insights and Interventions

Uma Chakravarti, feminist historian, teacher, and democratic rights' activist, has inspired generations of teachers, students and friends. This volume, including contributions from a handful of those who share her concerns, is a tribute to her energy, commitment and perseverance in pursuing her ideas and dreams. Is it possible to extend interventions from the classroom to the community? How do we strive towards a more integrated vision and praxis without falling into the trap of uniformity? Delving into texts ranging from the Rigveda to contemporary Dalit literature, and using diverse analytical strategies to understand present-day situations and experiences, the contributors offer insights, share concerns, and uncertainties through their essays and narratives. The themes addressed include issues of caste, nationalism, gendered identities, communalization, sexualities, socio-political relationships in all their complexities and the modes of transmission of ancient texts. The contributors include scholars/teachers who, like Uma, attempt to bridge the worlds of academics and activism, as well as young researchers who share her enthusiasm for ancient Indian history.