Historian Tapan Raychaudhuri dies

Eminent historian Tapan Raychaudhuri has died at his Oxford home in England after protracted illness.

The 88-year old passed away around 3:30am Thursday Bangladesh time in front of his daughter who rushed in from Tokyo, Raja Dasgupta, a Kolkata-based filmmaker, told bdnews24.com.

According to Dasgupta, a close relative of the late historian, Raychaudhuri was almost bedridden for the past one and a half years after suffering back-to-back strokes.

“On Monday, his condition further deteriorated after he suffered another stroke. After the last stroke doctors gave up all hopes and advised against hospitalising him as it would be futile.”

He left behind wife, a daughter, a granddaughter and a host of admirers, friends and students.

Born on May 8, 1926 in Barisal, Raychaudhuri specialised in British and ancient Indian history, Indian economic history and the History of Bengal.

In recognition to his contributions to history, the Government of India conferred him Padma Bhushan in 2007.

American Historical Association awarded him the coveted Watumull Prize, jointly with Marxist historian Irfan Habib, for his work, Cambridge Economic History of India.

He taught Indian history and civilisation at the University of Oxford.

He wrote several books on socio-economic history.

“A wonderful account, by one of the leading historians of India, of the story of his life and of the class of landlords of Bengal to which his family belonged... This is a superb book,” was how Nobel laureate welfare economist Amartya Sen had described Raychaudhuri’s memoir, “The World in Our Time: a Memoir” published in 2012.

But more than a hardcore historian, he will be remembered more for his lively works in Bengali like 'Romanthan Athoba Bhimrotiprapter Paracharitcharcha' and 'Bangalnama', which are perhaps a befitting portrayal of his own character.

“Apart from being erudite, he was very humorous and lively person,” recalled Raja Dasgupta.

His funeral would take place in Oxford in a day or two, Dasgupta said. “By late tonight we will know when the last rites will take place.”