History

Vande Mataram and the 2026 Amendment: From voluntary honour to penal coercion

While the slogan Vande Mataram galvanised millions during India’s struggle for liberation from the clutches of colonial rule, this essay demonstrates that the 2026 Amendment –that the BJP has orchestrated--does not represent historical continuity, but rather a contemporary majoritarian redefinition of a complex national symbol.

“It’s not Aurangzeb’s grave, but a plot to uproot Shivaji Maharaj’s valour!”

Muslims in Maharashtra, even during Shivaji Maharaj’s time, have stayed loyal to Chhatrapati Shivaji Maharaj, and even today they still have faith in this land; the current controversy is only to re-establish Brahmical hegemony and take away from Shivaji’s unique valour

A socialist world is possible: 2025 Marx Oration

On the occasion of the 142nd death anniversary of Karl Marx, as has happened each year since March 17,1883 when Frederick Engels had delivered his historic speech at the graveside of his closest comrade and friend at the Highgate Cemetery in London, Ashok Dhawale, CPI (M) Polit Bureau and AIKS National President, along with others delivered a Marx Oration. We reproduce the text below

Hindutva, Caste, and Nationhood: A Critical Review of Madhok’s book Indianisation

February 25, seven days ago, marks the birth anniversary...

Bodh Gaya: Why the Mahabodhi Temple must be handed over to Buddhists

When all progressive political thought have acknowledged Bodh Gaya’s identity as a Buddhist shrine, what stops political parties from ensuring that this demand becomes a reality?

The Story of Shivaji’s Coronation

First published on December 15, 2015The Coronation …“By the...

Savarkar and the Making of Hindutva: Book Review

The substantial work is a studied reference from a multitude of sources in the Marathi language as well as a study on the surveillance by colonial powers

Gandhi, the Flame Eternal

“Unfortunately, we, who learn in colleges, forget that India...

Can RSS co-opt Subhas Chandra Bose, a staunch secular-socialist and a fond admirer of Tipu Sultan?

January 23, the birthdate of the socialist-secular fighter Netaji...

Debunking “Popular Myths” through a study of Bose

A close study of Bose, Patel and Nehru, through their own writings and contemporary works reveals that all three enjoyed a deep affection and healthy respect for each other, even if they deferred in the means to the goal, India’s freedom. On Bose’s 128th birth anniversary that falls on January 23, 2025, this is a good historic recall

Fatima Sheikh: Politics of Historical Erasure, Exclusion

The ongoing attempt to erase India’s first Muslim woman teacher from mainstream history is part of a broader project to sanitise history, neutralise dissent, and normalise inequalities.

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