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.

9th February, 2024

02:30 PM – 4:00 PM

Lights, Camera, Dialogue | Cinema and History

Speakers: Nandita Das, Mohan Agashe and Anjum Rajabali in conversation with Vaibhavi Kulkarni

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

History of Food | What’s Been Cooking

Speakers: Pushpesh Pant, Kurush F. Dalal and Pradeep Apte in conversation with Disha Ahluwalia

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

Old Music, New Histories

Speakers: Vocalist Radhika Joshi and Radha Kapuria in conversation with Partho Datta

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

Hindustani Music Concert

Speakers: Jaipur-Atrauli Gharana vocalist Radhika Joshi

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.

10th February, 2024

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

Railway | From Kipling’s Kim to DDLJ

Speakers: Arup K. Chatterjee & Vinoo Mathur in conversation with G. Raghuram

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

History of Pune

Speakers: Uday S. Kulkarni & Manjiri Khandekar in conversation with Amit Paranjape

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

Histories | Narrative Debate Within

Speakers: K. Paddaya & Pradeep Apte in conversation with Tana Trivedi

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

Archaeology | You will dig it!

Speakers: Sanjay Kumar Manjul & Arvin Manjul in conversation with Disha Ahluwalia

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

Mahabharata | Women in Our Epics

Speakers: Koral Dasgupta & Kanad Sinha in conversation with Rakesh Basant.

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 – 8:30 PM

Lost & Found by Mandar Karanjkar & Dakshanyani Athalye | Musical performance

Speakers: Mandar Karanjkar, Dakshayani Athalye, Yuji Nakagawa, Leeladhar Chakradeo, Aakash Trivedi. Curated by Baithak Foundation

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.

11th February, 2024

10:30 AM – 12:00 PM

British Raj: Memsahibs & Officers

Speakers: Vipul Dutta and Ipshita Nath in conversation with Pushkar Sohoni

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

Biographies | Among the Shapers of India

Speakers: Akshaya Mukul, Narayani Basu and Rahul Ramagundam in conversation with Chinmay Tumbe

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

Business History | Steel and Scooters

Speakers: Harish Bhat & Sanghamitra Chatterjee in conversation with Chinmay Tumbe

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

International relations | India, China and Pakistan

Speakers: Vijay Gokhale & TCA Raghavan in conversation with Narayani Basu

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

Rajahs, Dewans and the British: The Internal World of the Princely States

Speakers:  Manu S. Pillai & Rahul Sagar in conversation with Amar Farooqui

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 – 8:00 PM

Open Baithak

This session, characteristic to the History Literature Festival, will witness speakers and audience together reflecting upon the histories and stories unravelled over the Festival. The Baithak will not only aim to highlight new discoveries in facts and narratives of history but also highlight the new questions that may have emerged over the course of the Festival. Through all these discoveries, the Baithak will thread and draw connections across the 10 themes of this edition so as to develop a more complete view of history.

Register Now