Histories that Make the India Story

Unpacking the India Story, with thematic dives into the influence on languages on culture, evolution of music, novel archaeological and archival realities and many others.

28th February, 2025

02: 00PM – 2:30 PM

Inauguration Ceremony

02:30 PM – 4:00 PM

A Peek In The Pot

Culinary Bytes from History

Speakers: Rakesh Ragunathan, Sadaf Hussain, Pushpesh Pant

Explore the cinematic evolution in this session. Delve into the rich tapestry of film history, explore how cinematic sensibilities have evolved over the years, and uncover the diverse narratives that have shaped the silver screen.

04:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Cultivating Curiosity

Bengaluru’s Scientific Odyssey

Speakers: Vijay Chandru, Aromar Revi, Jahnavi Phalkey

Embark on a flavourful journey in this session. Uncover the culinary tales that have shaped cultures and civilizations, exploring the historical tapestry of gastronomy and the evolution of what’s been sizzling in India’s kitchens.

05:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Friends & Foes

Stories From Indian Freedom Movement

Speakers: TCA Raghavan, Aparna Vaidik, Amit Arora

Dive into this melodious session at the History Literature Festival. Explore the intricate threads that weave together the importance of the anecdote, hagiography as historical method, female performers, and regional differences in music styles in the histories of Hindustani raga music.

07:00 PM – 8:00 PM

Spoken Words and Silences

A Practitioner’s Search for Ghatam’s History

Experience the soul-stirring melodies featuring the renowned vocalist, Dr. Radhika Joshi, at the History Literature Festival. Immerse yourself in the enchanting renditions that echo the rich heritage and artistic prowess of Hindustani classical music.

1st March, 2025

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Ocean of Possibilities

Maritime Histories of India

Speakers: Rajan Gurukkal, Radhika Seshan, Meera Iyer

Embark on a captivating journey through time and tales in this session. Explore the historical significance and cultural evolution of railways, from classic literature like Kipling’s “Kim” to the cinematic charm of “DDLJ.”

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Brushstrokes of Democracy

History of Political Cartooning in India

Discover the rich tapestry of Pune’s history in this session. Uncover the city’s enduring legacy, spanning centuries, as experts delve into its cultural, social, and historical evolution, weaving a captivating narrative of Pune’s fascinating journey through time.

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

The Detectives & The Damned

Fictional Truths From History

Dive into the captivating realm of Histories: Narrative Debate Within at the History Literature Festival. Explore the dynamic discussions and diverse perspectives that shape historical narratives. Join thought-provoking debates on interpreting the past and discover the evolving stories that unfold through the lenses of different historians. Where do the histories of landmark institutions such as the Deccan College and the Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute converge, and what do they tell us about the legacy of historical and archaeological research in India? Join us as we engage the experts in sharing stories of institutions and their histories.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Silences & Discomforts

Subject, Object & The Camera

Speakers: Dipti Tamang, Pratishtha Chhetri, Anna Sireiliu

Embark on a riveting archaeological journey in this session. Unearth the secrets of the past as experts guide you through the intriguing world of artifacts, ancient sites, and the fascinating stories they tell, making history come alive through the lens of archaeology.

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

Opening the Opium Chest

The India-China Trade

Uncover the nuanced portrayals of the women in Indian Epics in this session. Delve into profound discussions on the roles, complexities, and empowerment of female characters in the timeless narratives of the Mahabharata.

7:00 PM – 8:00 PM

The Drum and its Languages in Tamil Literature

A Talk & Performance

Speakers: Prof TKV Subramanian

Embark on a musical journey exploring the Lost Words of Saints in a soul-stirring performance at the History Literature Festival. Immerse yourself in the ethereal melodies that bring to life the spiritual essence and profound teachings of forgotten saints through enchanting musical renditions.

2nd March, 2025

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Ships And Planes

A History of Swadeshi Transport

Dive into the lesser-known stories of the British Raj in this session. Uncover the narratives of individuals who shaped, resisted, and endured this pivotal era, offering a nuanced perspective on the human experiences that defined colonial India.

12:00 PM – 1:30 PM

Through Time and Lens

Trajectories of Women in Hindi Cinema

Embark on a literary journey through influential lives in this session. Discover captivating narratives of individuals who played pivotal roles in shaping the nation, exploring the untold stories that have left an indelible mark on India’s history.

2:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Stones & Shadows

A Journey from Prehistory to Megaliths

Speakers: V Selvakumar, Ravi Korisettar, Srikumar Menon, Disha Ahluwalia

Dive into the intriguing narratives of commerce in this session. Uncover the stories behind iconic industries, exploring the diverse landscapes of trade, innovation, and the economic tapestry that has shaped India’s business history, with a focus on the business houses of Tata and Bajaj.

4:00 PM – 5:30 PM

Contours of Kannada Theatre

Companions, Companies & Colonization

Speakers: HS Shivprakash, Natraj Huliyar, Madhava Chippali

Explore the complex geopolitical dynamics in this session. Delve into historical narratives, diplomatic intricacies, and the evolving relationships that have shaped the course of nations in the subcontinent. An insightful journey through the region’s international connections.

5:30 PM – 7:00 PM

An Indian Renaissance

Vivekananda and Lajpat Rai

Speakers: Vanya Vaidehi Bhargav, Govind Krishnan, Pushkar Sohoni

Uncover the enigma of ‘Princely States: How Were They Governed’ at the History Literature Festival. Delve into the intricate governance structures, political dynamics, and fascinating tales that characterized India’s princely states. An enlightening session unravelling the historical tapestry of these unique entities.

7:00 PM – 7:45 PM

Baithak

Introspecting the 3-day journey together

Register Now