In Brief
- Historian Sumit Sarkar, 87, passes away.
- He was a founding member of the Subaltern Studies Collective.
- Sarkar returned his 2004 Rabindra Puraskar award in 2007.
- This was in protest against farmer treatment in Bengal.
Sumit Sarkar, an eminent historian recognized for his contributions to modern Indian history, has died at the age of 87 in New Delhi on 13 August, 2026. He was a founding member of the Subaltern Studies Collective, a group influential in reshaping historical narratives by focusing on the perspectives of marginalized groups.
In 2007, Sarkar returned his prestigious 2004 Rabindra Puraskar award. This gesture was a protest against what he deemed the mistreatment of farmers in Bengal. His action highlighted his commitment to social justice beyond academia.
Throughout his career, Sarkar was known for his critical approach to India’s socio-political history and his engagement with contemporary issues. His legacy includes both scholarly work and activism that impacted historical studies and public discourse in India.
