Locating the ‘Local’ in South Asia: Critical Themes in the History of Northern Bengal

This book presents an interdisciplinary approach to understanding the history of northern Bengal. Northern Bengal, despite having a rich historical past and geo-cultural heritage, is yet to receive unbiased attention from serious academic scholarship. The chapters in the book examine hitherto unexplored or little-explored issues across time of northern Bengal's pluralistic society and culture while drawing on various approaches and methodologies to arrive at an alternative historical understanding. This volume examines themes such as the historical landscape and geo-political contours of the region, its society, and culture, as well as the religious ideas prevalent in this sub-region through the lens of sculptures and mosques. Rich in archaeological and literary sources, epigraphic evidence, and archival materials, the book will be an essential read for scholars and researchers of Indian history, South Asian history, cultural studies, gender studies, history of the 'marginalized', environment studies, modern history, and colonial history. This volume represents a crucial history of the 'local' in the global context.