T.M. Krishna: On Rediscovering Asoka Through His Edicts
A musical rendition of Asokan edicts rekindles interest in the ethical values ingrained in them and the Mauryan emperor’s vision of a humane society. Also: an interview with T.M. Krishna.
The World Turned Upside Down: Rodney’s 1972 Masterpiece
Walter Rodney’s masterpiece How Europe Underdeveloped Africa examined four hundred years of European intervention and occupation in Africa. An examination of the context and approach Rodney took in his 1972 book.
Túpac Amaru’s Rebellion Lives On
In November 1780, Túpac Amaru led an indigenous uprising against Spanish control of Peru. Centuries on, he and his wife and co-organiser Micaela Bastidas are still potent symbols of liberation in the Andes.
Batukeshwar Dutt: A Working Class Revolutionary’s Life
Remembering Batukeshwar Dutt’s revolutionary career, most of which was either spent in jail or hospitals, on his birth anniversary.
Soumitra Chatterjee (1935-2020): Acting Legend, Principled Lodestar, Utterly Decent Human Being
He died on November 15 from Covid-19 complications in Kolkata. He was 85. A tribute.
On His Birth Anniversary, Remembering What Maulana Abul Kalam Azad Said About Sedition
“Is sedition a name for freedom struggle which is not successful? If that be so, I would fully agree with it.”
The Artist In Forlorn Territories: Ghatak 95
Satyajit Ray: “Ritwik was one of the few truly original talents in the cinema this country has produced. As a creator of powerful images in an epic style, he was virtually unsurpassed in Indian cinema.”
Inventing a Past: Committee Formed to Study the Origin and Evolution of Indian Culture
A committee formed by the Central government to study India’s ancient past draws criticism from scholars and politicians who raise doubts about the agenda it seems set to pursue.
Why the Youth Should Engage with Gandhi
In a world where violence is sanctified and normalised, anyone striving for collective redemption should look to Gandhi.