Graduate student Shriya Dasgupta publishes article on oral histories in AHA's ‘Perspectives’

Graduate student Shriya Dasgupta published an article, “Documenting an Age of Fire,” in the recent edition of Perspectives, the newsmagazine of the American Historical Association. In the article, Dasgupta examines the role of oral history archives in preserving non-traditional narratives. Using the case study of the Agnijug Archive, a digital repository she founded in 2022, Dasgupta highlights some of the frequently ignored aspects of the anticolonial Indian movement that took place in Bengal from 1906 to 1935.

“Through the Agnijug Archive, my aim is to create a repository that provides a tool for further scholarly research and public history while increasing awareness and ensuring these vital stories are remembered and understood beyond academic circles,” says Dasgupta, a first-year PhD student advised by Professor Tithi Bhattacharya. Her current article underscores some of the frequently ignored aspects of the anticolonial movement, including the impact of the 1947 Partition.

At Purdue, Dasgupta’s research explores 20th century South Asian history with focus on anticolonial armed resistance, colonial Bengali women, and forced displacement. As an advocate of public history, Dasgupta is interested in contributing to making historical scholarship more accessible outside academia.

Read the complete article in Perspectives at this link.

Learn more about Shriya Dasgupta at this link.