The Proceedings of the 82nd session of Indian History Congress held at the Kakatiya University (3)

The Proceedings of the 82^nd session of Indian History Congress held at the Kakatiya University (3)

Mridula Mukherjee who inaugurated the session: Mridula Mukherjee is the daughter of V.D. Mahajan. Vidya Dhar Mahajan (1913-1990) was a historian, political scientist, and advocate. He married to Savitri Shori Mahajan who was a historian. They had two daughters and one son. Their son Ajay Mahajan and daughters Sucheta Mahajan and Mridula Mukherjee are also historians. Sucheta and Mridula have been professors of history at the Jawaharlal Nehru University’s Centre for Historical Studies. Sucheta had been a visiting scholar at the College of Wooster in Ohio and Fondation Maison des Sciences de l’Homme (Foundation House of Human Sciences) in Paris. Mahajan died on 10 July 1990 at the age of around 77 years. Ironically, he studied at the Sanatan Dharma College, Lahore which was closed after 1947 and started in 1948 in India. Perhaps, the IHC might dub him as “nationalist” historian placing him along with Jadunath Sircar, KAN Sastri, Ajay Mitra Sastri and others[1]. However, Mridula Mukherjee has been that of “IHC category.” She has been rebellious and litigant also, as she fought legally against her brother and also with the government, when she was not given an extension for his post.

Ancient India

Hindu identity and Indian nationalism

Parallel sessions on different topics, symposiums etc: The Aligarh Historians Society started holding special sessions with invited historians on some selected themes and topics. Most of the lectures would be monotonous, as the speaker or the paper reader would go on to speak or read and most of the audience would be in the relaxing mode. Rarely, there would be interaction or questions allowed. College delegates might feel that it would be esteemed to be there and listen to them. This year, they announced that K.L. Tuteja delivered ‘Professor S C Misra Memorial Lecture’ and K.M. Shrimali a special lecture on ‘Sanatan Humanism’ at the university auditorium from 5.30 p.m. at the university auditorium on Thursday.

The three-day event also featured a symposium on –

1. ‘Reason and Ideology in Indian History’ and parallel sessions –
2. Aligarh Historians Society Panel on ‘Reconstructing Indian Economic History’ and
3. IHC panel on ‘Deccan: Past and Present’ and ‘Dalit History Panel’.

About, “dalit,” very often, they used to make hue and cry, but, none bothered about the constitutional validity and legality. Just like some vested media and the Christian groups, interestingly, these historians also engage themselves and rehash what they have already recorded in their writings and speeches. They would be verbose with narratives and discourses based on micro and macro studies with a lot of usage of statistics also[2]. In fact, to prove their points, they use statistics and such data manipulation can be easily found by the mathematicians and statistics experts. This also, I have been pointing out many times. 

Symposium on dalit..

What you should do, if your paper is not listed: These  details are included in the “List of papers” booklet issued by the IHC:

• If a paper is not listed here or in the Supplementary List, because a member’s paper was not received in time or for some other and the member wishes to present it at this session, he/she may please hand over two copies of the paper at the Secretary’s Office immediately.
• If a member had sent his/her paper in time, and it is not listed in the Section for which he had sent it, he may please check it in the Section to which by its theme it may have been assigned. For example, if a paper is sent to Section I or II, but deals with archaeological matters, it may be found in Section V (Archaeology). If it is still not found there, the member concerned may please immediately inform the IHC office at the venue of the session.
• Some members while sending their papers omitted to give their Membership Nos. They would need to let us have their Membership Nos. before presenting their papers, in the Assigned Sections.
• It will not be possible to include any paper that has not been received latest by 4 pm., on the first day of the session

So just to get into the “List of papers,” one has to pass through such ordeal, but, what they say about the publication of the paper presented. Read the following carefully.

Ancient India

Health and medicine

Health and medicine session.

IHC standards coming down or it wants to go the easy way: The IHC claimed[3], “Due to constraints of space, summaries have not been published over the past several years. Since 2016, the list of papers presented has also been omitted, as all papers presenters are awarded certificates at the session itself.”

• 2016 to 2022, “the following papers were also presented” – list was not printed, in other words, those papers are rejected, they have to be happy with the certificates given!
• The editorial policy as had been recorded above shows their way of functioning, selecting and accommodating in the bulky volume. Therefore, “Due to constraints of space,” excuse becomes redundant.  
• That “all papers presenters are awarded certificates,” is quite amusing, as they have not come here to get such “awards,” that too, “at the session itself”!
• Because, they would not be given at any other place, as IHC would not conduct any ritual to do so.
• In fact, it is not any ISI or ISO 90021, such standard certification to be displayed.
• When the papers of Sectional presidents are already printed and distributed during the session, there is no necessity to print their papers again in the volume to waste paper. They are “awarded” for heading the session suitably.
• Yet, these rituals are conducted and going on.

The scientific approach to study history is also and always emphasised for the last 40 years.

How delegates react to the local media?: Some local media persons tried to get feedback from the delegates and the delegates mostly praised the IHC, organizers and the arrangements made, in a stereotype mode that appears artificial. There were cultural and entertainment programs arranged in the evening. The videos uploaded and available had been only of this nature and the critical discussion about the proceedings, particularly, about the academics, paper reading, questions asked, how the paper presenter and audience reacted and such other details were not forthcoming. Whether the same pattern of presenting papers, getting certificates and going away would serve the purpose or it should be changed and such other serious issues are not dealt with or discussed. In the social media, of course, there have been some photos, but, they have been that of individual nature. They appear to feel great to present paper at the IHC and get a certificate.  So this is a really unfortunate attitude and such mind-set would not be helpful to serious researchers. Moreover, the IHC has become very indifferent in the aspect, s year by year, they were making the paper presenting as a mere ritual.

Food and accommodation: From the feedback received from the delegates, food and accommodation had been satisfactory. Only about the Rs. 5,000/- delegate fees, many expressed that it was high. As for as the accommodation is concerned, at some places, the delegates were asked to vacate on 30th evening / night itself. Because of the chill and foggy climate, the trains were running late. Therefore, some were to be accommodated at the University guest house and they had to go to station to catch their trains. As has been dealt with this issue in earlier conferences, many times, it is better that the organizers have limited crown with complete academic-oriented proceedings, so that such crown can be accommodated satisfactorily. As hundreds of delegates come for sightseeing or as tourists, the increasing delegate fees only affect the genuine researchers, students and lower-middle class / poor categories.

Interested are going through the books…..

Book stalls etc: Book stalls and related items were also accommodated, where different publishers displayed their books. Definitely, interested delegates had visited the stalls, gone through some of books, but only few buyers. Obviously, the prices of books have been going on increase to Rs 1000/- and so, and ordinary readers, students and others cannot afford to buy such books. Therefore, they just do “window shopping.” They might ask about the price, giving discount and then, silently move away. As usual, the “Puducherry World History Congress” stall was there, but, none was there when, our representative had gone there. Definitely, the coterie of IHC might not like such an organization coming up. Anyway time would tell during the course of time, when people come and go. 

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

31-12-2023

---

[1] During the BM-RJB issue, the historians got themselves divided into several categories – Masjid historians-Mandir historians; Babri historians – Bajrang historians; sacred historians – communal historians and so on; even archaeologists were divided accordingly.

[2]  Now, anyone carefully reads the articles in “Economic and political weekly, ” such trend can be noted. For social processes, none could fix the parameters  and decide the social behavior, conflicts and related processes. Perhaps, to prove their “scientific nature” of studies, they have been prone to use such methods.

[3] IHC proceedings, 80^th session, Kannur,2019, Preface,  p.ix

The Proceedings of the 82nd session of Indian History Congress held at the Kakatiya University (2)

The Proceedings of the 82^nd session of Indian History Congress held at the Kakatiya University (2)

Academic proceedings: Mridula Mukherjee, former Professor of Jawaharlal Nehru University, and former Director of the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, New Delhi, was the chief guest at the inaugural session held at KU auditorium on Thursday 28-12-2023. As usual groups of historians, academics, history enthusiasts and scholars among others including delegates from different parts of the country who attended the session, according to the organisers. From the inaugural day onwards, six separate sessions were planned to be organized on the following sessions:

Sl. no	Session	Prof/Dr	No. of papers presented
1	Ancient India	Shalini Shah
2	Medieval India	Najaf Haider
3	Modern India	Sajal Nag
4	Countries other than India	S. Srinath
5	Archaeology	Seema Bawa
6	Contemporary India	Kalpana Kannabiran
	Total		1067

The split-up figures were not available.  Generally, during the valedictory function, the sectional presidents used to brief about their experience with data.

Academic proceedings: A grand total of 1067 papers were set to be presented at the event, marking a robust discourse on various facets of Indian history. Recognizing scholarly achievements, the IHC would confer prestigious awards for outstanding historical publications[1]. Notable among these are the Barpujari Award, the Prof. Mohammad Habib Award for Medieval Indian History, and the newly introduced Prof. Annapurna Best Book Award for Ancient Indian History[2]. Additionally, the IHC boasts several awards for the best research papers across diverse historical domains, encouraging submissions from scholars under 45 years old. Noteworthy prizes include the Professor Vijay Kumar Thakur Memorial Prize for Ancient India, the Professor J.S. Grewal Prize for Medieval India, and others recognizing exceptional work in specific historical sections[3]. Noted historian Ramchandra Guha will be conferred the Lifetime Achievement Award, given every five years, by the IHC[4].

Awards for best paper[5]: There are nine prizes for the best papers submitted at the Indian History Congress session in a particular section or field by members who are not above the age of 45 years on the last date for the receipt of papers submitted for the prize (December 2023). Please note, however that there is no age-bar for Prize No.9 below.

1. Professor Vijay Kumar Thakur Memorial Prize of Rs. 10,000 for the best paper submitted for Section I (Ancient India)

2. Professor J.S. Grewal Prize of Rs. 10,000 for the best paper submitted for Section II (Medieval India)

3 & 4. Professor P.S. Gupta Memorial Prize of Rs. 10,000 and Professor J. C. Jha Memorial Prize of Rs. 10,000 for the best two papers submitted for Sections III (Modern India), IV (Countries other than India).

5. Professor Sudhir Ranjan Das Memorial Prize of Rs. 10,000 for the best paper submitted for Section V (Archaeology).

6. Professor Papiya Ghosh Memorial Prize of Rs. 15,000 for the best paper submitted for Section VI (Contemporary India)

7. Professor B.B. Chaudhuri Prize of Rs. 10,000 for the best paper submitted on Economic and Social History of India (Ancient, Medieval and Modern).

8. Dr Nasreen Ahmad Memorial Prize of Rs. 7,500 for the best paper on Gender History.

9. Dr I.G. Khan Memorial Prize of Rs. 15,000 for the best paper submitted on History of Science and Technology (No age bar.)

10. Professor O.P. Jaiswal Prize of Rs. 7,500 for the best paper submitted on Indian National Movement.

11. Dr Gyaneshwari Jaiswal Memorial Prize of Rs. 7,500 for the best paper based on Archival/Epigraphic Data.

12. Professor M. Athar Ali Memorial Prize of Rs. 20,000 will be awarded for the best paper submitted at the 82nd session. There is no age-bar, and no application need be made.

The announcement of the paper selected for the prize will be made at the 84^th session. A member who wishes his paper to be considered for any of the prizes above is requested simply to indicate on it the award/(s) for which he wishes it to be considered and (in case of every prize except No. 9) attach a Xerox of some document bearing the date of birth (e.g. xerox of relevant page of passport, high school certificate, or letter of Principal of College or Chairman of Department).

The paper presentation session has been reduced to ritual, routine and mechanical: The young student delegates were evidently more interested in visiting places, taking selfies and posting them in the social media. They ever discussed about the academics, the paper presentation etc.

Go to the respective section

• Sit and wait for the turn
• Present paper within 5 to 10 minutes depending upon the president’s wish
• Face questions or no questions and discussion
• Get certificate
• Take photo and
• Go away
• Do not bother about the paper presentation of others
• Ask your friends to take photos or video to cover the above
• Post in the social media
• The attendance of IHC session is over and successful

Paper selection, editing and publication[6]: For the last 50 years experience, personally observing the paper reading sessions, nature of the papers and their themes, the way they were selected / rejected, and published had a pattern. They give more importance to the medieval session than other sessions. Next comes, the modern session dealing with the same or similar topics and issues again and again. Criticizing, condemning and attacking rightists, their ideology, Sangh Parivar – RSS, BJP, VHP, Bajran Dal etc., had been common and repeated. Opposed to such attitude-papers are rejected totally. In fact, during the course of years, many have understood and they do prepare such papers, instead, they go for dalits, women rights, children rights, minority rights, Christian missionaries’ contribution for education, socialism model, communalism, secularism, fascism, sectarianism, parochialism etc.,

• Earlier asking questions and discussion would be there perhaps for one hour also.
• Then, it was cut short.
• Summaries were published considering the academic importance.
• But, later, that also stopped, as they did not want to accommodate any view, interpretation or facts that could directly or indirectly affect their ideology.
• The following papers were also read / presented list was given
• Now, that was also stopped on the plea that every paper presenter is given a certificate for the paper presentation.
• Enjoy with the “List of papers received,” where your paper is listed, whether you go there, present it  or not!

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

31-12-2023

---

[1] Telangana Today, Indian History Congress to be held at Kakatiya University after 30 years, PUBLISHED DATE – 05:47 PM, SAT – 23 DECEMBER 23

[2] https://telanganatoday.com/indian-history-congress-to-be-held-at-kakatiya-university-after-30-years

[3] Telangana Today, IHC Lifetime Achievement Award to be conferred on Ramchandra Guha, Published date – 03:48 PM, Tuseday- 26 December 23

[4] https://telanganatoday.com/hc-lifetime-achievement-award-to-be-conferred-on-ramchandra-guha

[5] Based on the “List of papers” issued by the IHC.

[6]  The previous proceeding volumes can be compared with the contents by dividing into several groups to understand the pattern e.g., before 1947 and after 1947; before 1992 and after 1992; before 2014 and after 2018 and so on.

The Proceedings of the 82nd session of Indian History Congress held at the Kakatiya University (1)

The Proceedings of the 82^nd session of the Indian History Congress held at the Kakatiya University (1)

Delegates arriving Kakatiya University: The Kakatiya University hosted the 82^nd annual session of the Indian History Congress (IHC) from December 28^th to 30^th 2023 after 30 years[1] i.e, after 1993. Registrations commenced on December 27^th, with dedicated desks set up at Warangal and Kazipet Railway Stations and the university premises[2]. These stations facilitated delegate pickups, ensuring a smooth transition to the Kakatiya University venue. It is reported that 1,500 delegates registered for the Conference. The delegate fees of Rs 5,000/- was considered to be heavy by the delegates[3]. After registration, they were allotted accommodation at different places – within the University campus and outside. As the organizers expected more than 1500 delegates would come, they arranged accommodation at various lodges, hostels and guest houses. Food was provided at the conference venue within the Kakatiya University campus.

Kakatiya University is a very frequently visited place: The Kakatiya University campus has not been new to me, as I visited many times to attend national and international seminars and conferences for the last 30 years. In fact, I attended the 53rd session of IHC in 1993 and presented a paper, “Self-determination, secession and sedition.” Arjun Singh, the then Minister descended there by helicopter to inaugurate the session, as there was a Naxalite threat. The delegates were virtually kept in the security zone, till he came and went away after inauguration. The IHC organizers were so happy, as he announced funds of Rs  5 lakhs. As long as Dr Badru Naik was in charge of the Dr Ambedkar Study Centre, I used to come every year to present papers. After his retirement, I stopped receiving any messages from them. The last seminar attended was in 2020[4], when the seminar was cut short abruptly and the outstation delegates to leave, as the Government declared a complete “Lock down” because of Corona spread. Had I delayed one day, I might have locked up at the campus of Kakatiya University. Fortunately, I left by evening to catch a train and return to Chennai. This time, I could not attend, as I was preoccupied with other work.

28-12-2023 (Thursday): The inaugural session of the IHC was held at the KU auditorium with the office bearers and KU VC and others. As usual, the inaugural session went on with the routines. The lighting of lamp also went on with the learned historians with their shoes on. Though, I have been watching this for the last 40 years and recording in the blogs, this continues. Only one or two conscious persons remove their shoes or chappals and light the lamps. The rituals of installation of a new President etc., facilitations, releasing proceedings, books, booklets continued. Then, the best paper awards were also given. Though Ramachandra Guha was to be honoured for the “Life-time-Achievement” Award, he did not turn up. However, it was reported in the media.

Jawaharlal Nehru in Our Past, Present and Future – Aditya Mukherjee: Expressing grave concern over the growing communal politics in the country, the newly elected General President of the Indian History Congress (IHC), Prof Aditya Mukherjee stressed the need to embrace the ideology of former Prime Minister late Jawaharlal Nehru which will help ‘to explain our present and chart out a vision of the future’[5]. Delivering the General President’s address on “Jawaharlal Nehru in Our Past, Present and Future” at the 82nd Session of Indian History Congress soon after his installation at the Kakatiya University (KU) campus here on Thursday, Prof Mukherjee said[6], “It is because of what Nehru stood for that he is demonized so blatantly by the communal forces today. All kinds of lies and abuse are spread about him using the massive propaganda machinery that the communal forces command today. Nehru is blamed for all of India’s problems for the partition of the country.”

A book called 97 Major Blunders of Nehru has now been expanded to “Nehru Files: Nehru’s 127 Historic Blunders: Detailing the attempts to tarnish the image of Nehru by the RSS, he said, “A book called 97 Major Blunders of Nehru has now been expanded to “Nehru Files: Nehru’s 127 Historic Blunders”. The list keeps growing as new ‘facts’ are invented. He is even said to have a secret Muslim ancestry.” “The demonizing of Nehru and the values he stood for could only be done by distorting history and that is what communal forces have done blatantly,” Prof Mukherjee alleged. Summing up his speech, Mukherjee said “Nehru’s fantastic efforts to raise India from what Tagore called the ‘mud and filth’ left behind by the British has now been replaced with the Indian people being pushed back into that same ‘mud and filth’ of ignorance, obscurantism, dis-empowerment, unfreedom and above all communal hatred.”

S.A.N.Rezavi – reduction of historical events to mythology and the divisive forces attempting to warp historical truths: S.A.N Rezavi, the Secretary of the Indian History Congress (IHC), accentuated the organization’s commitment to safeguarding a factual comprehension of history[7]. He warned against the reduction of historical events to mythology and the divisive forces attempting to warp historical truths[8]. In his address, Rezavi hailed the IHC for its steadfast role in upholding historical understanding, even during trying times such as the Emergency period in India.

Chief Guest also repeated the same details: Guest of Honour Mridula Mukherjee and presidential speaker Aditya Mukherjee both articulated their concerns against the emergence of exclusionary nationalism. They championed the values of equity, secularism, and democracy, as enshrined in the Indian Constitution, advocating for a history that reflects these values. She flayed the incumbent government at the Centre for its attempts to misuse and distort Indian history. She stressed the need to stand up against the assault on democracy. Really, it is surprising as to why they hd chosen to attack their political opponents, instead of delving upon the issues related to Indian history. As most of their discourses appeared to have been spent only to condemn the BJP, RSS etc., it is evident that perhaps, they had set an agenda to come and delivered their speech accordingly.

What Mridula Mahajan and Aditya Mukherjee told to the media: Mridula Mahajan says, “IHC is the largest and most representative organization of Indian historians, very large number s and it always played a leading role in setting a path fooor Indian history in this country and it stands against any kind of attempt topush Indian history revivalist, sectarian, narrow directions. It always recognized scientific approach to history, broad approach to history, linking with history of other countries…”

Aditya Mukherjee says, “…it is the biggest professional historians. It started in as early as 1930s during the national movement. It is the most representative professional body.it stands up for the values of our national movement that democratic, scientific values of our national movement and as promoted history in this country in a manner across the country that we are proud that the Indian historiography is considered one of the best in this world. Today. The role of Indian History Congress in that way is very great and we are very very grateful that Kakatiya  University  is once aain holding this Indian History Congress……”

KU VC stressed for secular and scientific history: KU VC, Prof T Ramesh, who presided over the programme, has praised the IHC for its secular and scientific study of history. He reminded the audience that the KU hosted the IHC in 1993. Registrar Prof Srinivas Rao, outgoing General President of IHC Prof Kesavan Veluthat, and several other noted historians were present. The slogan, “secular and scientific study” of history has also been going on for many years, perhaps from Goa session, 1987, none could understand the so called “secular and scientific ” procedure applied in their historical research, writing and discourses.  By blaming BJP, RSS, Bajrang Dal, VHP and all other Right wing ideologists, these self-claiming secular-scientific brigades too have not changed during the last 40-50 years, as I have been carefully noting and watching.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

31-12-2023

---

[1] The Hindu, Kakatiya University to host IHC 82nd annual session from December 28-30, Hanamkonda, The Hindu Bureau, , December 27, 2023 12:45 am | Updated 12:45 am IST –

[2] https://www.thehindu.com/news/cities/Hyderabad/kakatiya-university-to-host-ihc-82nd-annual-session-from-december-28-30/article67677375.ece

[3] Delegate Fee for All (with Hotel Accommodation) Rs 5000/- on Sharing Basis,

Delegate Fee for All (with KU Hostel Accommodation) Rs 2500/- on Sharing Basis,

Delegate Fee for Research Scholars / Students (Without accommodation) Rs 2000/- .

[4] The National Seminar on Rural Society, Culture and Economy in Telangana – Historical Perspective – held at the Kakatiya University on March 14th and 15th 2020.

I presented a paper on “Quarrying, granites and politics: Internal consumption for cultural development or export for economic exploitation?”.

[5] The Hindu, Indian History Congress calls for a scientific approach to our past, Serish Nanisetti, Warangal, December 28, 2023 12:48 pm | Updated 12:48 pm IST 

[6] https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/telangana/indian-history-congress-calls-for-a-scientific-approach-to-our-past/article67682642.ece

[7] BNN, 82nd Indian History Congress Commences, Emphasizing Secular and Scientific Perspective, By: Dil Bar Irshad, Published: December 28, 2023 at 5:36 am EST.

[8] https://bnnbreaking.com/world/india/82nd-indian-history-congress-commences-emphasizing-secular-and-scientific-perspective/

The Fourth session of Telangana History Congress held at the Kakatiya University on January 27th and 28th 2019 [3]

The Fourth session of Telangana History Congress held at the Kakatiya University on January 27^th and 28^th 2019 [3]

11.47 to 12.02 – A. Shyamala: She presented a paper on the rights of women drawing attention to the UN declaration made on women in 1945, 1975 (Mexico), 1980 (Coenhagen), 1985, (Nairobi), 1995 (Beijing) etc., at different places, where conferences were held. The Beijing Declaration and the Platform for Action, adopted unanimously by 189 countries, is an agenda for women’s empowerment and considered the key global policy document on gender equality. It sets strategic objectives and actions for the advancement of women and the achievement of gender equality in 12 critical areas of concern: Women and poverty, Education and training of women, Women and health, Violence against women, Women and armed conflict, Women and the economy, Women in power and decision-making, Institutional mechanism for the advancement of women, Human rights of women, Women and the media, Women and the environment and the girl-child[1]. However, she did not bother about the recent Supreme Court judgment that have bearing on Indian women – consent to sex, living with other, living together relationship, hereditary rights after conversion, etc., as I pointed out.

28-01-2019 .Post lunch session – paper presentation.

12.03 to 12.23 am – Subash: He stressed that the folk paintings had narratives hidden behind. Jitendra Babu added points to his paper.

12.30 to am – Kanakaratnam: He presented a paper on Kakatiyas.

12.25 to 1.05 pm – D. Suryakumar: He claimed that there were factories manufacturing huge stones used for inscriptions. He belies that whatever mentioned in the inscriptions were true and facts. He also explained as to how the inscriptions were made. First, the content of the script was written by the Brahmins on paper, then, it was read and accepted; the inscriber started  cutting on the stone under supervision; the name of the inscriber / cutter was mentioned below the inscription or at the corner.

1.05 to 1.15 pm – On medical tourism, one paper was resented.

28-01-2019 audience

28-01-2019 audience.second day

After lunch, the paper reading session started.

28-01-2019 .Lunch.

28-01-2019 Lunch

28-01-2019 .coins displayed

2.28 to 2.40 pm: …………………..Presented a paper on Sculptural art of Kakatiyas As Kakatiyas were Saivites, they built temples to Siva mainly. Here, in this paper, he studied manly about “Nandis” in the temples built by the Kakatiyas.

2.41 to  2.50 pm : ……………..presented a paper on “Lambadi”…

There were papers presented by the B.A. M.A, M.Phil and other students for the first time also. Some papers were presented in Telugu. They were encouraged  by the audience and others.

Valedictory function invitation with the details of speakers etc 28-02-2019

28-01-2019 . Valedictory function

hakkalapalli Purushothama Rao was chief Guest, former Minister speaks

Valedictory function – 4. 00 pm: The function started by 4.30 pm, when one “Swamiji” like person the hall entered with others. Later, he was know to be an ex-minister of AP. K. Purushotham, Registrar lamented that students do not want to study history, he asked why? Now they read maths, science, engineering and other subjects, but, not history, why? Perhaps, history is not properly taught in colleges. The worry of history teaches, professors etc., are visible. Every subject has history, but, history student, lecturer, professor or historian cannot write history of other subjects, as they do not know and understand the nuances of other subjects.

Vireendar, General Secretary of THC: He thanked Vijaya Babu for hosting the fourth session of THC at the Warangal University premises by history department. He appraised the proceedings – 190 registered, more than 100 attended memorial lecture; 37 papers presented and 9 not presented, because of lack of time and they would be treated as presented. THC would publish the proceedings and he requested the sectional president to edit the papers presented. The General Body meeting and EC meeting could not be conducted, as the quorum was not there. Within few days, the proceedings would be set right as per the bye-laws. It is a fact that the history is neglected in schools and colleges and most of the students do not like to read, study history. The position should change.

Opinion of the Participants: Then, P. Hymavathy, Surya Kumar, Kanakaratnam, K. Srinivasulu and Babu Rao Naik gave their opinion about the proceedings of the THC session. Surya Kumar openly told that te Guest house isnot maintained properly in many aspects. In fact, he could not take  bath, as the geyser was not working and the he managed with his friend’s room . Kanakaratnam opined that workshops should be conducted to know more about history, historiography, epigraphy and related subjects, so that all could come, attend and understand the subject matter. Babu Rao Naik spoke in his own way, just like a politicians getting applause from the audience . B. Srinivas was thanked for sponsoring to provide bags by donating Rs. 25,000/-

Opinion of Dr Dayakar and other delegates appeared in local daily

Thakkalapalli Purushothama Rao was chief Guest, former Minister[2]: He spoke philosophically citing examples from the Sanskrit literature. He wanted to explain with four examples of characters from the literature. He explained about Satyakama Jabali[3] and Astavakra[4]. Because of his digressive narratives, he forgotten the other two examples. Perhaps, he tried to emphacize the importance of lineage, dynasty, roots, sources, for history and historiography through Jabali paradigm. Through, Astavakra, perhaps, he tried to stress that history should not be distorted and the sources, particularly, Indian literary sources might appear as “astavakra – a form bent awkwardly in eight ways,” the truth has to be brought out by analyzing critically with the available evidences.

Sudharshan Rao, chief guest: Taking clue from his yesterday’s memorial lecture, he started speaking in Telugu, he told that he would have delivered his lecture in Telugu, had he been informed so. He wished that THC should grow in coming years. He recalled as to how even the APHC suffered in the 7^th year of its starting, when 200 came from outside. Therefore, the 2^nd or 4^th session of THC should gather strength to grow. He proposed that a “Telangana Council for Historical Research” should be formed on the lines of ICHR. The TCHR would foster the interest of Telangana. He wished that the 5^th session of THC would be conducted with more vigor and strength.

After the facilitation of the VIPs, the following resolutions were passed:

1. History subject should be introduced in all schools and colleges.
2. “Indian culture” should be in the syllabus of all academic curriculum in all educational institutions.
3. “Telangana Council for Historical Research” should be constituted immediately to proceed further.
4. Even in 10^th and +12 level, history should be included.

6.55 to 7.00 pm – Vijaya Babu: Vijaya Babu vote of thanks to all participated, took part and helped in all ways. The next THC may be held in Khammam / Nizamabad. All started moving away. I felt that I was alone. I requested one known friend to drop me at the Guest house, so that I could collect my luggage and proceed to station by auto. One volunteer dropped me at the guest house and he contacted Dr Rajakumar and then informed that he would come and drop me at the station. As the time was already 8.00 pm, I was little bit worried.  Around 8.30 pm, he came and dropped meat the station. Of course, the train came late by half-an-hour.

How and where does the Telangana history go?: Some of the remarks made by the VIP speakers have been intriguing.

1. Kurra Jitendra Babu asserted that, “The papers presented so far has been useless…” Can he simply decide in this way? Had he any doubt, he could have questioned every paper presenter and expose theso-called “useless” nature of such papers!
2. Sudharshan Rao, “With the recent division of the state into Telangana and Andhra Pradesh sharing Telugu population, perhaps, the entry of third genre of ‘invented history’ as rampant in the West may have to wait in our regional sphere.” The Telangana history writers should take note of it, as how their historiography has to be combatable with the counterpart of Andhra Pradesh.
3. Of course, two worried about the status of history subject in the schools and colleges. Here, unless, awareness is created and the subject is updated to suit the current job-market, definitely, there would not be any improvement in the status.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

02-03-2019

[1] http://www.unwomen.org/en/how-we-work/intergovernmental-support/world-conferences-on-women

[2] Thakkalapalli Purushothama Rao is an Indian politician. He was the cabinet minister for Roads, Buildings and Ports, Government of Andhra Pradesh from 1993 to 1994. Presently he is the Chairman for High Power Committee on Remote Interior Area Development. Rao was instrumental in persuading Y. S. Rajasekhara Reddy to have peace talks with maoists and was the government representative during the peace talks. The AICC has made him the chairman of Gandhipatham of APCC to propagate the ideals of Gandhiji, in intellectual circles he is called Gandhian Marxist. The Dr. Babasaheb Ambedkar Open University honored Rao with Doctorate in 2008 for his service to the society.

[3] Satyakama Jabala is a boy, and later a Vedic sage, who first appears in Chapter IV of the ancient Hindu text, the Chandogya Upanishad. As a boy, he enquires about his father from his mother. His mother Jabala, tells him that she went about many places in her youth, and did not know who his father was. Satyakama graduates and becomes a celebrated sage, according to the Hindu tradition, and a Vedic school is named after him, as is the influential ancient text Jabala Upanishad – a treatise on Sannyasa (Hindu monk, monastic life).[5] Upakosala Kamalayana was a student of Satyakama Jabala, whose story is also presented in the Chandogya Upanishad.

[4] Ashtavakra (Sanskrit: अष्टावक्रः, IAST Aṣṭāvakra) is a revered Vedic sage in Hinduism. His name literally means “eight bends”, reflecting the eight physical handicaps he was born with. His maternal grandfather was the Vedic sage Aruni, his parents were both Vedic students at Aruni’s school. Ashtavakra studied, became a sage and a celebrated character of the Hindu History(Itihas) Epics and Puranas. Ashtavakra is the author of the text Aṣṭāvakra Gītā, also known as Aṣṭāvakra Saṃhitā, in Hindu traditions. The text is a treatise on Brahman, Atman and monism (Advaita).

The Fourth session of Telangana History Congress held at the Kakatiya University on January 27th and 28th 2019 [1]

The Fourth session of Telangana History Congress held at the Kakatiya University on January 27^th and 28^th 2019 [1]

Humanities building, where History department is situated.

Registration done by Manohar and friends

Note: As I was attending seminars continuously in January (APHC at Rajamahendravaram Jan.5^th and 6^th) and February (SIHC at Hyderabad 8^th to 10^th, Chronology at Bangalore on 18^th and 19^th and Iron technology at Kuppam on 25^th and 27^th), this (preparing and posting of the proceedings) was delayed. Moreover, my laptop stopped working and I had to keep my work pending. It took two weeks to recover data from the old laptop to transfer to new and start preparing.

Reaching Kakatiya University campus: The Telangana History Congress was held at the premises of Kakatiya University, Warangal under the auspices of the Department of History and Tourism Management on January 27^th and 28^th, 2019. As I have been coming here for several times, it has been very familiar to me. Earlier Dr Badru Naik used to invite me for the seminars conducted by the Dr. Ambedkar Study Centre there.[1] Dr Rajakumar[2], Assistant Professor received me at the Kajipet station and took me to the University guest house, where I was accommodated. After registration, I moved to the Senate Hall by 10.10 am, where inauguration was to be held. Arrangements were going on. T. Manohar and his colleagues were at the registration counter. The break fast, lunch and dinner were arranged at the backside of Humanities building by setting up a samiana. Dr Dayakar[3] sat there personally and took care of food.

Invitation for the inaugural function with the details of the speakers etc 27-01-2019

Getting ready for inauguration and the function: By 11.10 am only the VC, Prof V. Sayanna, K. Purushotham, registrar, and others came to the hall.

By 11.20, the lamp was lit and the inauguration started. As usual, the VIPs on the stage were with shoes while lighting the lamp with candle. Incidentally, the volunteer who was looking at the lighting was without chappals or shoes! Arjun Rao Kuthadi, Kanakaratnam, Sudharshan Rao and others were sitting in the front row. Arjun Rao, who hosted the last session disappeared after the session, as I could not talk with him.

11.25 to 11.29 am:  G. Venkat Rajam briefed about the history of “Telangana History Congress,” (Regd. No. 959 / 2008) as the first session was held in the Osmania University in 2008 and then the second in 2009 and then it was discontinued due to the Telangana agitation[4].As no session was conducted since 2009, after nine years, it was revived. When APHC has been conducted regularly, it is not known what is the problem with THC. He also briefed about the “history of Telangana” starting from Satavahana period.

11.30 to 11.44 am: Kishan Rao[5] spoke. This time, the sectional president addresses are printed in a single booklet and it is a good idea, as for the first time, I note that it is circulated so.

27-09-2019- Inauguration – VIPs on stage.lighting lamp.

THC souvenir released – Courtesy – Dr Vijaya Babu

THC – Andhra Jyoti cutting-inauguration – Courtesy – Dr Vijaya Babu

Enadu cutting-inauguration.lamp

11.45 to 11.54 am: Raja Reddy: He briefed his paper[6], “Satavahana chronology and the rule of Rastrakutas and Paramars in Telangana.” He concluded that, “the study of ancient coins found in Telangana would contribute greatly for the reconstruction of Telangana. There is a need to complete the entire history of Telangana which starts with Asmaka Janapada from early historic period based on real sources such as coins and inscriptions in addition to the literary works”. However, most of the papers delved upon Qutub Shahi and Nizam periods.

11.55 to 12.10 am : T. Tirupati Rao: He has been the former VC of the Osmania University. The Chief guest lamented about the history subject loosing importance from the academic curriculum in recent days. Many people started telling that, “There need not be history,” some give importance only to modern period.  This is also not correct, as all periods and areas should be given importance, instead of giving importance to one particular…………….

12.10 to 12.20 Hrs: N. S. Ramachandra Murthy[7]: read his paper, “Inscriptions of Telangana – A Study,” giving many inscriptional references meticulously, starting with Mauryan period and covering Western Chalukyas of Badami, Western Chalukyas of Kalyani, and Kakatiyas. The way he spoke on the details of inscriptions prove his expertise on the subject.

12.25 Hrs: Souvenir, proceedings and books on art and architecture of temples, Qutub Shahi and Nizam  rulers were released.

 12.30 Hrs: The VIPs were facilitated as usual with mementos etc.

1.00 to 1.20 pm: Lunch break.

27-09-2019- Lunch

27-09-2019- Lunch

Technical / paper reading session held in one hall: After lunch, the technical session started. As only about 40 papers received, they decided to hold the technical session in the same hall, so that all could listen and interact with all paper presenters. All the four sectional presidents sat together and the papers were presented in cyclic order, one from each section. As pointed out the papers of sectional presidents were given in a single booklet.

1.25 to 2.00 pm – P. Hymavathy[8]: She started reading from the printed booklet “Studies in Kakatiya History Avenues and Sources” reproducing what had already been printed, but, switched over to Telugu to attract the students. She took 45 minutes in such an exercise. She concluded, “since we believe that history is a store-house of all knowledge, we can take up research on any aspect which the contemporary society demands out of its need or query. Equally the regional histories serve as potent sources to arouse cultural consciousness, strengthening self-respect, self-confidence, and patriotism due to the inherent element of cultural proximity. If one is seriously enthusiastic in research, the scope is wider and sources are abundant for the study of the history and culture of Kakatiyas.”

2.00 to 2.30 pm – K. S. S. Seshan[9]:   He read his paper on “Rebel prince Mubarez-ud Daulah and the Wahabi conspiracy: 1839.” Most of the struff that appearing in the booklet also appeared in “The Hindu” dated June 17, 2017[10]. The Wahabi Conspiracy of prince Mubarez-ud-Daulah is a forgotten chapter in Hyderabad history[11]. While the attack of Turrebaz Khan on the British Residency in Hyderabad during the 1857 Revolt is well documented in the pages of Hyderabad’s history, a similar bold revolt planned to overthrow the British by Prince Mubarez-ud-Daulah, the younger brother of the Nizam, though foiled in the last moment, is hardly remembered. The Wahabi conspiracy in Hyderabad was a serious secret movement aimed against the English around 1838. Prince Mubarez-ud-Daulah had the support of Rasool Khan, the Nawab of Kurnool, who like Mubarez also hated the presence of the British. But as ill-luck would have it, before they could strike, the British were able to unearth the conspiracy through their intelligence agencies and the entire plans, went awry. Mubarez was imprisoned till death and Rasool Khan was captured, exiled and his territory, confiscated. However, the well-planned attempt they made served as an inspiration at a time when the very idea to oppose the British authority was in a nascent stage in these parts of the country. Wahabi Movement was a 17th century reform movement that began in Persia with a view to see the basic tenets of Islam were followed strictly and with sincerity. The movement was started by one Wahab in the 18th century and therefore it was named after him. Wahabi movement was popularised in India by the Islamic religious leader, Shahwaliullah. Wahabis opposed the British presence in India and their slogan was: “Jan ko denge- vathan ko bachayenge” (Let us sacrifice our lives; but safeguard our motherland”).

Role of Mubarez-ud-Doulah: Mubarez–ud–Doulah, the Hyderabadi prince was one of the first in south India to come under the influence of the Wahabi movement. Mubarez, born in 1800, was the second son of Sikander Jah, the Nizam of Hyderabad (1803-1829). As Mubarez had greater access to wealth and also had a private army of more than a lakh, he could devote all his time and resources for the Wahabi movement in Deccan. From his childhood, Mubarez disliked the presence of the British in Hyderabad. As a result he was imprisoned for nearly five years from 1815 by his father, Sikander Jah at the behest of the British. Mubarez was incarcerated once again, this time during the period of his brother, Nasir-ud-Doulah (1829-57). In 1830, Mubarez collected a large army of Arabs and Afghans and started an insurrection against the British. Then a contingent of British troops under Col. Stewart marched against Mubarez and arrested him. The prince was sent to the fort of Golconda and imprisoned for several months in 1830. The hatred of Mubarez-ud-Daulah towards the British, even as an young boy was such that once his father Sikandar Jah wanted a British sentry to be posted as a guard at his palace. But the young Prince replied that he would prefer to die rather than to see a British guard at his palace gate.

Alliance with Nawab of Kurnool: Rasool Khan the Nawab of Kurnool too was attracted towards the Wahabi movement. When Mubarez came to know of Rasool Khan’s opposition to the British, he sent his men to strike a secret alliance with the Nawab of Kurnool. Rasool Khan agreed to establish a secret arsenal to manufacture arms and ammunition that was needed for any concerted insurrection which they contemplated. Mubarez, on his part assured monetary help for the manufacture of such arms. Rasool Khan, being of the same age as Mubariz was drawn close to the Hyderabad Prince as both hated the presence of the British power. The activities of the Wahabis greatly increased by 1838 when it was widely believed that the Russian troops were advancing from Central Asia towards India. It was the plan of the Wahabis that Mubarez will take command of the combined armies at Kurnool and overthrow the British through insurrection. Wahabis also believed that the Shah of Persia would appoint Mubarez-ud-Doulah as the Subedar of the Deccan after driving away the British and deposing the Nizam, Nasir-ud-Doulah. Gen. Fraser, the then British Resident at Hyderabad, as soon as he came to know of the suspected involvement of Mubarez–ud-Doulah, ordered a strict watch on him. Mubarez started sending his emissaries to several places like Lahore, Sindh, Gwalior, Bombay, Kurnool, Madras, Sholapur etc. Fraser spoke to the Nizam, Nasir-ud-Doulah and convinced him of the conspiracy being attempted by his brother against both the British as well as the government of the Nizam. Mubarez-ud-Doulah was taken into custody and put under guard in the fort of Golconda. All his close associates who were involved in the spread of Wahabi movement, numbering 46 were captured and imprisoned.

© K. V. Ramakrishna Rao

02-03-2019

Andhra Jyoti cutting – Opinion of G. Venkat Rajam, V. Sadanandam, K.V.Ramakrishna Rao, and N. Kanakaratnam – Courtesy – Dr Vijaya Babu

Andhra Jyoti cutting-inauguration – Courtesy – Dr Vijaya Babu

News cutting – opinion of the participants – Courtesy – Dr Vijaya Babu

THC coverage – Jathra – – Courtesy – Dr Vijaya Babu

[1] I had good opportunity to interact with many Ambedkarites and activists to interact with them and exchange of ideas and details. After the seminars, Badru Naik brought out the proceedings in the form of book also.

[2] He has been so kind enough to help me to bring to Guesthouse and also drop me on 28^th evening at the Kajipet railway station. Incidentally, I met his relatives on that day and two of them have been practicing law.

[3] Dr Dayakar hosted many conferences and seminars – APHC, SIHC etc., at Warangal.

[4] https://kvramakrishnarao.wordpress.com/2018/06/30/the-proceedings-of-the-first-or-third-annual-session-of-telangana-history-congress-held-at-osmania-university-on-june-25th-and-26th-2018-1/

[5] He has been the grandson of P. V. Narasimha Rao.

[6] Dept.of History& Tourism,  Addresses delivered in the Inaugural session, Warangal, 2019, pp.3-14.

[7] N. S. Ramachandra Murthy, Inscriptions of Telangana – A Study, Dept.of History& Tourism, in   Addresses delivered in the Inaugural session, Warangal, 2019, pp.15-38.

[8]  P. Hymavathy, Studies in Kakatiya History Avenues and Sources, Dept.of History& Tourism, in   Addresses delivered in the Inaugural session, Warangal, 2019, pp.39-54.

[9]  K. S. S. Seshan, Rebel prince Mubarez-ud Daulah and the Wahabi conspiracy: 1839, Dept.of History& Tourism, in   Addresses delivered in the Inaugural session, Warangal, 2019, pp.59-80.

[10] K S S Seshan Mubarez-ud-Daulah’s era: Of passion, rebellion and conspiracy, in The Hindu, Hyderabad, JUNE 10, 2017 15:32 IST; UPDATED: JUNE 10, 2017 15:32 IST

[11] https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/mubarez-ud-daulahs-era-of-passion-rebellion-and-conspiracy/article18955189.ece