This book examines the nature and function of history-writing in India by focusing on early modern traditions of historiography with particular reference to Bengal. Situating distinctive cultures of history vis-a-vis their relevant political and cultural contexts, this volume highlights the richness, variety and politically-sensitive character of a range of oral and textual narratives. Kumkum Chatterjee also makes a significant contribution to the intellectual and cultural history of early modern India by exploring interactions between regional, vernacular cultures on the one hand and the Islamicate, Persianized culture of the Mughal Empire on the other. Strongly grounded in primary sources. The Cultures of History in Early Modern India re-examines the concepts of authority, evidence, and method in early modern historiography. It also discusses the debates surrounding the culture of history writing in India. On account of the range of issues it raises, this book will be important for scholars and students of Mughal and early modern India, particularly those concerned with traditions of history-writing, Mughal history and intellectual and cultural history.
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