Windows into the Past Life Histories and the Historian of South Asia

Historians have for decades used government archives as sources for mapping the past. But increasingly memoirs, family histories, and records of voluntary institutions are being explored to provide insights into people and community, allowing new and unique readings of the lives of previous generations.

This book asks how diverse forms of ‘life history’ can provide evidence for a deeper and wider understanding of the remote passages of time and memory. From the Indian and British graduates of Balliol College, who formed ‘dynasties’ within a hegemonic dominance and contributed to nation building and globalization, to families who left behind many kinds of records to the lives of prominent Indian politicians—the range of this book is breathtaking. Analysing college records, old photographs, and private papers, it chronicles late nineteenth and early twentieth-century facets of the interlocking histories of Britain and South Asia. The volume also explores multiple issues in the history of colonial and independent India, and shows how iconic leaders like Gandhi and Nehru dealt with public and private challenges while creating an Indian nation.

Argumentative and thought provoking, Brown’s perceptive introduction cleverly knits the selections together, and persuades us that ‘life histories’ are a highly significant source and genre of history writing.

Rewarding for anybody interested in modern Indian history, this work will also engage scholars and teachers of South Asian studies, history, and cultural studies.

‘Once again, Judith Brown has amazed us with something truly remarkable. Her latest book, so exquisitely well crafted, is a gem. It gives us fresh glimpses into facets of India's (or South Asia's) recent past, of things never before seen, or imagined. Reflecting brilliance of imagination and insight, it shows us new ways of “doing history.” By focusing upon dynastic “lives” of specific institutions—cohorts and families of Balliol College, as well as individuals in their “public” and “private” worlds—this work turns our understandings around. Never again will we look at the Raj, or at Gandhi and Nehru, in quite the same way.’—Robert Eric Frykenberg, Professor Emeritus, History and South Asian Studies, University of Wisconsin-Madison

‘This book provides an example of the historian's craft at its best. Known throughout the world for her balanced and influential interpretation of modern India, Mahatma Gandhi, and Nehru, Judith Brown has excelled herself by opening windows into India's recent past that hitherto have remained closed. The elegance of style adds to the power of the argument. Read it: you will enjoy the experience.’ —Anthony Parel, Professor Emeritus, Political Science, University of Calgary