
Histories that Make the India Story
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
Speakers: Sumana Chandrashekhar
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
Speakers: Unny, Gokul Gopalkrishnan, Sarthak Bagchi
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
Speakers: Madhulika Liddle, Sadiq Peerbhoy, Harini Nagendra
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
Speakers: Madhavi Thampi, Amar Farooqui, Chinmay Tumbe
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
Speakers: Aashique Iqbal, A R Venkatachalapathy, Chinmay Tumbe
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
Speakers: Alankrita Srivastava, Anjum Rajabali, Vaibhavi Kulkarni
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