Developing sound historical consciousness is critical in our ability to effectively respond to the realities we are faced with. Active reading of a vast multiplicity of narratives, critical thinking and analysis, and questioning existing knowledge opens up our sensibilities to the pasts.

How do we write history? How has it been written so far in relation to early India? How do we bring the complexities of multiplicities in everyday classroom? How can we oppose any one linear narrative?

In this conversation, Professor Thapar responds to pre-submitted questions from teachers across schools based on her talk titled ‘Conversations with India’s Ancient Past’ (hosted by Karwaan, available at https://bit.ly/3j88fH9) and on her work titled Talking History: Romila Thapar in conversation with Ramin Jahanbegloo, with the participation of Neeladri Bhattacharya.