About Us

The Karwaan Book Award is presented annually to honour the most distinguished contributions to the study of the history of the Indian subcontinent. Conceived as a celebration of rigorous scholarship and meaningful public engagement, the Award recognises outstanding non-fiction works that illuminate the many-layered pasts of South Asia with clarity, depth, and intellectual integrity. Each year, the Jury presents a formal citation, acknowledging the scholarly merit, methodological sophistication, and narrative craft that set the winning works apart. Instituted by Karwaan: The Heritage Exploration Initiative, the Award reflects our commitment to nurturing a vibrant culture of historical inquiry. At a time when conversations around the past are increasingly urgent, complex, and contested, the Karwaan Book Award seeks to support and spotlight research that not only advances academic knowledge but also bridges the gap between the scholarly world and the wider public. It is our belief that well-researched, well-articulated histories play a vital role in shaping informed citizens and sustaining a pluralistic society. The Award thus serves as both recognition and encouragement—recognition of exceptional historians who expand the horizons of historical understanding, and encouragement for emerging and established scholars to continue producing work that is meticulous in method, innovative in interpretation, and accessible in spirit. As Professor Romila Thapar, Chair of the Shortlist Jury 2022, eloquently reminds us, “The writing of history has a method which historians observe, and their work is judged by its application. Historians assessing new publications should contribute to strengthening this process.” Her words remain a guiding principle of the Award: that historical writing, at its best, is a disciplined craft rooted in evidence, argument, and ethical responsibility.

The Karwaan Book Award is presented annually to honour the most distinguished contributions to the study of the history of the Indian subcontinent. Conceived as a celebration of rigorous scholarship and meaningful public engagement, the Award recognises outstanding non-fiction works that illuminate the many-layered pasts of South Asia with clarity, depth, and intellectual integrity. Each year, the Jury presents a formal citation, acknowledging the scholarly merit, methodological sophistication, and narrative craft that set the winning works apart. Instituted by Karwaan: The Heritage Exploration Initiative, the Award reflects our commitment to nurturing a vibrant culture of historical inquiry. At a time when conversations around the past are increasingly urgent, complex, and contested, the Karwaan Book Award seeks to support and spotlight research that not only advances academic knowledge but also bridges the gap between the scholarly world and the wider public. It is our belief that well-researched, well-articulated histories play a vital role in shaping informed citizens and sustaining a pluralistic society. The Award thus serves as both recognition and encouragement—recognition of exceptional historians who expand the horizons of historical understanding, and encouragement for emerging and established scholars to continue producing work that is meticulous in method, innovative in interpretation, and accessible in spirit. As Professor Romila Thapar, Chair of the Shortlist Jury 2022, eloquently reminds us, “The writing of history has a method which historians observe, and their work is judged by its application. Historians assessing new publications should contribute to strengthening this process.” Her words remain a guiding principle of the Award: that historical writing, at its best, is a disciplined craft rooted in evidence, argument, and ethical responsibility.

Professor Surojit Mazumdar is a distinguished scholar of political economy and a leading voice in the study of Indian industrialization and corporate capitalism. He is a Professor at the Centre for Economic Studies and Planning (CESP), School of Social Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), where he has been teaching since 2014. Educated at the University of Delhi and later at JNU, Professor Mazumdar completed his M.A. (1987) and M.Phil (1990) in Economics from JNU, followed by a Ph.D. in Economics (2007) from the same institution. Over his three-decade-long academic career, he has taught courses in economic theory, political economy, and economic development across some of India’s leading institutions. Before joining JNU, Professor Mazumdar served on the faculty of Ambedkar University, Delhi (2011–2014), the Institute for Studies in Industrial Development (2007–2011), and Hindu College, University of Delhi (1993–2007). His work is widely recognized for its rigorous and critical engagement with India’s economic trajectory—particularly the evolution of the corporate sector, shifts in industrial policy, and the broader consequences of globalization. His research is situated at the intersection of political economy, industrialization, the Indian corporate sector, and global economic processes. He has been part of major international collaborations, including a research programme (2013–2016) funded by the Research Council of Norway under the INDNOR initiative, examining the political economy of regulation, deregulation, and industrial development in India. From his early days he has combined activism with his academic work and has been actively involved in the JNUSU and served as its president from 1988-89. Professor Mazumdar is currently serving as the President of JNUTA and also the president of the Federation of College and University Teachers’ Associations. Surajit is the probably the only former Student of JNU who has been Presidents of both JNUSU and JNUTA.

About SAHMAT Public Lecture Series: In today’s world, the social sciences and sciences face the challenge of being oversimplified, misrepresented, or reduced to soundbites. Complex ideas are often stripped of their nuance, leaving little space for careful thought or meaningful dialogue. SAHMAT Public Lecture Series seeks to create such a space—where knowledge can be shared, questioned, and explored in depth. Organised in New Delhi at the Har Kishan Singh Surjeet Bhawan, the series will bring together leading historians, economists, sociologists, political thinkers, filmmakers, and public intellectuals to speak on themes ranging from history and cinema to economics, sociology, political science, and more. These lectures are open to the public, designed especially for students, researchers, enthusiasts, and curious citizens who wish to engage with ideas beyond the classroom and outside academic walls. At a time when our collective understanding of society, culture, and science often feels fragmented, such lectures offer a platform for reflection, learning, and exchange. They remind us that knowledge is not only about theories or abstract debates, but also about lived experiences, diverse perspectives, and the connections that shape our everyday world. Through this series, we hope to reaffirm the value of critical inquiry, open dialogue, and the joy of engaging with ideas—treating knowledge as a shared inheritance that belongs to all. Disclaimer: The views and arguments presented by the invited speaker in this lecture are their own scholarly and intellectual positions. These perspectives do not, in any way, reflect or represent the official views, ideological positions, or institutional commitments of the organising body. The organisation upholds the principles of academic freedom and free expression, and provides a platform for rigorous debate, dissent, and the exchange of ideas — without endorsing any specific political or ideological position expressed by individual speakers. The organisation strongly condemns any form of trolling, misrepresentation, or targeted personal attacks against speakers. Disagreements, if any, should be expressed through informed, respectful, and scholarly engagement — not through harassment or intimidation, online or offline.

The Karwaan Book Award is presented annually, featuring a citation by the Jury. It is bestowed upon the most outstanding eligible non-fiction works on the history of the Indian subcontinent. The Jury aims to recognize contributions that exemplify the pinnacle of academic excellence while fostering historical understanding among the wider public. Karwaan: The Heritage Exploration Initiative has instituted the 'Karwaan Book Award' with the aim of promoting and acknowledging recent research and publications across various aspects of the histories of the Indian subcontinent. As Prof. Romila Thapar, Chair of the Shortlist Jury 2022, aptly puts it, "The writing of history has a method which historians observe, and their work is judged by its application. Historians assessing new publications should contribute to strengthening this process."

Imagine starting your career with just ₹10… and then going on to rule the soundtracks of Hindi cinema. In the 1940s, a young dreamer arrived in Bombay with nothing but talent, determination — and a tiny slip of paper that changed everything. What followed? Blood, courage, and a recording session that made history. This reel contains AI-generated images. Subscribe for more heritage content and explore India’s history, culture, and stories: https://www.youtube.com/@karwaanheritage #KarwaanHeritage #IndianHistory #HeritageWalks #HistoryForAll #PublicHistory #naushad #mdrafisong #rafi #rafis #rafisongs #mohammadrafi #hindicinema #hindifilm #hindifilmigaane #hindifilmysongs

Why do we need schools of historiography to understand the past? Can there be only one kind of history? We asked these powerful questions to Professor Romila Thapar, one of the most respected historians of our time — and her insights are both timely and timeless. Recorded in December 2024, this conversation is a reminder that history isn’t just about the past — it’s about how we think about the past. This video is copyrighted by @karwaanheritage. #karwaaheritage #richardeaton #historian #historians #history #historyrepeats #historia #historical #indianhistory #indianhistorylive #indianhistoryandculture #indianhistoryfacts #reels #reelsinstagram #reelsvideo #romilathapar

About SAHMAT Public Lecture Series: In today’s world, the social sciences and sciences face the challenge of being oversimplified, misrepresented, or reduced to soundbites. Complex ideas are often stripped of their nuance, leaving little space for careful thought or meaningful dialogue. SAHMAT Public Lecture Series seeks to create such a space—where knowledge can be shared, questioned, and explored in depth. Organised in New Delhi at the Har Kishan Singh Surjeet Bhawan, the series will bring together leading historians, economists, sociologists, political thinkers, filmmakers, and public intellectuals to speak on themes ranging from history and cinema to economics, sociology, political science, and more. These lectures are open to the public, designed especially for students, researchers, enthusiasts, and curious citizens who wish to engage with ideas beyond the classroom and outside academic walls. At a time when our collective understanding of society, culture, and science often feels fragmented, such lectures offer a platform for reflection, learning, and exchange. They remind us that knowledge is not only about theories or abstract debates, but also about lived experiences, diverse perspectives, and the connections that shape our everyday world. Through this series, we hope to reaffirm the value of critical inquiry, open dialogue, and the joy of engaging with ideas—treating knowledge as a shared inheritance that belongs to all. Disclaimer: The views and arguments presented by the invited speaker in this lecture are their own scholarly and intellectual positions. These perspectives do not, in any way, reflect or represent the official views, ideological positions, or institutional commitments of the organising body. The organisation upholds the principles of academic freedom and free expression, and provides a platform for rigorous debate, dissent, and the exchange of ideas — without endorsing any specific political or ideological position expressed by individual speakers. The organisation strongly condemns any form of trolling, misrepresentation, or targeted personal attacks against speakers. Disagreements, if any, should be expressed through informed, respectful, and scholarly engagement — not through harassment or intimidation, online or offline.