AHA writes to JNU VC, expresses concern over review of Romila Thapar’s contributions

The American Historical Association, the world’s largest association of historians, has written to Jawaharlal Nahru University, saying that it did not see any reason to review Prof Romila Thapar’s status as Professor Emerita. McNeill cited her impressive record of contributions and achievements, including being named an AHA Honorary Foreign Member.

The University had defended its action by claiming that it was a routine one. It had also claimed that letters had been sent out to others as well to furnish their continuing work so that the university could decide on whether to withdraw the honorary post.

The honorary post, significantly, carries no financial obligation to JNU. It merely allows the distinguished Professors room to work and study, and meet the faculty and guide the students.

October 7, 2019

Mamidala Jagadesh Kumar
Vice Chancellor
Jawaharlal Nehru University
New Delhi-11 067
India

Dear Vice Chancellor Kumar:

The American Historical Association expresses deep concern over Jawaharlal Nehru University’s decision to review Romila Thapar’s status as emeritus professor. Professor Thapar is a distinguished scholar, deeply respected by historians on many continents. Considering her extraordinary record of scholarly achievement, the Association believes that there is no need to review her richly deserved position as emeritus professor.

The AHA is the largest association of professional historians in the world, with over 12,000 members. In 2009 the AHA named Professor Thapar an honorary foreign member—one of the highest honors the Association bestows—in recognition of her standing as one of India’s most distinguished historians. “To put it simply,” we wrote in our award citation, “Professor Thapar's work is the bedrock of all scholarly study of the early South Asian past.”

Sincerely,

John R. McNeill President, American Historical Association