Launched as part of the 2026 edition of the History Lit Fest, the History Book Awards aim to spotlight exceptional writing that deepens our understanding of India’s past. The initiative is rooted in a simple belief: rigorous historical research and original storytelling deserve wider readership, thoughtful discussion, and public recognition beyond academic circles.

By celebrating books that bring depth, originality, and narrative strength to historical inquiry, the Awards encourage meaningful conversations around Indian history and nurture a growing community of readers, writers, and scholars.

Presented annually, the History Book Awards recognise works that contribute significantly to the study and interpretation of Indian history, whether through fresh questions and findings, careful evidence, or compelling narrative craft.

• Book of the Year – awarded to the most outstanding work of the year. 
• HLF Showcase (Three Titles) – awarded to three noteworthy books on history in the year.

Each year, a total of four books are selected by an eminent jury of experts. The chosen titles are showcased at the History Lit Fest and highlighted across all associated festival platforms.

Books must deal with any aspect of Indian history, including but not limited to political, social, cultural, economic, and environmental histories. We welcome historical fiction and eagerly encourage publications on folk, tribal and oral histories to be nominated. 

• Books may be published within India or internationally, provided they are accessible to Indian readers (i.e., easily available for purchase/distribution in India). 
• Given our bandwidth, only books in English or those translated to English will be considered for the Award. The translation should have been published within three years of the original work being published. 
• Reprints, revised editions, delayed India releases, or previously published works under new titles will not be eligible. 
• Conference proceedings, and edited volumes and books will not be considered for the Award.

An independent jury comprising leading historians and scholars will review all submissions and identify the books to be recognised. 

The jury for the 2026 edition were: 

• Tirthankar Roy, Professor, London School of Economics (Jury Chair)
• Amar Farooqui, former Professor of History, University of Delhi
• Partho Datta, Professor, School of Arts & Aesthetics, Jawaharlal Nehru University
• Suchandra Ghosh, Professor of History, University of Hyderabad
• T.C.A. Raghavan, historian and former diplomat

Below are the shortlisted titles, chosen by the jury for their depth of research, originality, and contribution to historical scholarship.