Mumbai, 28th December, 2017: ‘The Princely States and the Making of Modern India’, a collection of research papers on the re-thinking of the centrality of princely states to twentieth century nationalism was launched at the Prof. Achuta Rao Memorial History Conference at Manipal Centre for Philosophy and Humanitiesby the eminent historian Prof. Upinder Singh of University of Delhi. The conference was held in honour of distinguished historian Prof. D S Achuta Rao, the professor from Mysore University, who unravelled the social and administrative history of Mysore through a study of contemporary materials available. The book is published by Manipal Universal Press.Prof. Rao had made a mark for himself through meticulous research which brought into the limelight much of Mysore’s forgotten history. The year 2017 has seen four significant events for serious historians of India. The events, conducted in this centennial year, have demonstrated a wide range of interests, and have brought together many internationally renowned historians from Cambridge to Japan to South-East Asia.
Prof. David Washbrook, famous modern historian from Cambridge University and a key contributor to the released book has said, “Indeed, post-modern India, is now starting to turn back towards its princely past with regard, at least to cultural geography. The princely states of southern India have come a very long way in historical understanding and imagination since their physical existence was so abruptly interrupted at the end of the 1940s. From villains, they have become almost heroes of India’s modern history”.
Releasing the book, Prof. Upinder Singh, Historian, University of Delhi said, “I am glad to release the third book under Prof. DSA History Series. Generous support by Prof. D.S. Achuta Rao Endowment has enabled over fifty scholars to meet this year and share new perspectives in Indian and Asian history. This provokes new thoughts and is very valuable in gaining insight into our history”.
Speaking on the occasion, Dr. H.S. Ballal, Pro Chancellor of MAHE said, “Manipal which is ranked as a leading Institution in Health Sciences and Engineering education and research is building depth in humanities. Mr. Prasanna and Mrs. Rajani Prasanna have made vital contribution to the Humanities ecosystem through Hebbar Gallery and Prof. Achuta Rao History series and conferences”.
About Professor D. S. Achuta Rao
Prof D S Achuta Rao (1917-1965) had his education in Mysore University and was an MA in History. He devoted 25 years of his career teaching History at the First Grade colleges in Bangalore, Tumkur, and Mysore and taught graduate students at the Maharaja's College and Manasagangotri in Mysore University. He was a keen researcher and published a number of papers on Mysore history during the period 1500-1800CE.
He closely followed Indian National Movement, struggles of Sukarno, Ho Chi Min and Asian liberation movements. He travelled widely and was a passionate teacher of recent Asian History. He was a pioneer in the study of administrative documents, scripts, and letters to research post medieval social and administrative history of Mysore.
DSA was an exceptional lecturer and was very popular among his students. He was an affectionate, disciplined, and systematic teacher and a father.
About Manipal Center of Philosophy and Humanities, MAHE
Manipal Centre for Philosophy and Humanities (MCPH) is a leading research and teaching institute based in Manipal, Karnataka and a constitute institution of MAHE. It offers an undergraduate program in the Humanities and postgraduate degrees in English, Philosophy and Sociology. As one of the most exciting academic experiments in higher education in India, MCPH fosters a culture of innovative and reflexive pedagogy, intellectual freedom, student initiatives, and new directions in scholarship.
Manipal Universal Press, MAHE
Manipal Universal Press (MUP) in last six years of existence has carved a niche for itself by bringing out books with a fine blend of academic and creative works. On one hand, a series on Indian Literature in Translation was started last year for the creative output and on the other, a series in History was started for the academically rich content. This history series partially funded by DSA... is bringing its third book out today with utmost commitment to quality. MUP finds pride in being associated with this project.