The Popular Uprising and The Intelligentsia- Bengal Between- 1855-73 By Asoka Kumar Sen

Book Description

Overview: This book examines the socio-economic background that shaped the Bengali intelligentsia's traits and their responses to various uprisings between 1855 and 1873, including the Santal Uprising, the Great Revolt, the Indigo Uprising, and the Pabna Rent Uprising. The author uses an episodic approach to highlight the differing attitudes of the intelligentsia towards these movements, showcasing a spectrum from lukewarm support to active involvement, depending on the nature of each event.

The work explores how the intelligentsia, despite their potential to lead and advocate for the oppressed, often exhibited a complex relationship with these uprisings, influenced by existential considerations and societal norms. This study provides a nuanced understanding of their role as intermediaries in the struggle against colonial rule and societal injustices.

About the Author

Dr. Asoka Kumar Sen is a respected historian with a strong academic background. He earned his M.A. and Ph.D. from Patna University and has held a teaching position at Tata College since 1965. Sen has published numerous research papers and is known for his work on the history of Modern Bengal and the Tribal history of Chotanagpur. He authored "The Educated Middle Class and Indian Nationalism" and edited a monograph titled "Singhbhum: Some Historical Gleanings."

Preface Highlights

The preface outlines the origins of the book's essays, originally presented at a seminar on Tribal History. It emphasizes the significance of understanding history from the perspective of the subaltern, while focusing specifically on the intelligentsia's role in popular uprisings. The term "intelligentsia" is defined as those in Indian society who pursued education, either indigenous or Western, and engaged with progressive ideas of their time. The book aims to reconstruct this historical narrative, examining how the intelligentsia interpreted and influenced their socio-political environment.