BHAVAN'S HISTORY UPDATE PROJECT
Updating The History and Culture of the Indian People,
edited by Dr. R. C. Majumdar
RESEARCH ASSOCIATES — MEDIEVAL & MODERN INDIAN HISTORY
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan invites applications from young scholars for positions of
Research Associate for its History Update Project.
ABOUT THE PROJECT
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan has undertaken a project to update its landmark
eleven-volume series, The History and Culture of the Indian People,
originally published under the general editorship of Dr. R. C. Majumdar between
1950 and 1970. The Bhavan's History Update Project will supplement the original
volumes with significant new discoveries, evidence, research and historiographical
developments that have emerged since their publication, while retaining the identity
and integrity of the original series.
LOCATION
At Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Pune &
Bharatiya Vidya Bhavan, Bengaluru
MEDIEVAL INDIA
HISTORY UPDATE
Delhi Sultanate | Mughals | Marathas | Vijayanagara |
Bahmani & Successor Deccan Sultanates
Research expertise in one or more of:
- Political, Economic & Institutional History of Medieval India
- Agrarian Systems, Revenue & Trade Networks
- Indo-Persian Historical Sources & Recent Scholarship
- Archival Research & Documentation
Location: Pune
MODERN INDIA
HISTORY UPDATE
Research expertise in one or more of:
- Colonial Political, Administrative & Economic History
- Caste, Labour, Gender and Social Movements
- Archival Research & Documentation
Location: Bengaluru
We are looking for scholars whose research covers one or more important dimensions of Medieval or Modern Indian History, including:
Political & Dynastic History • State & Administration •
Inter-State & Cross-Political Relations • Society • Economy & Trade •
Religion & Philosophy • Language & Literature • Art & Architecture •
Education • Intellectual & Cultural History • Social & Religious Movements •
Colonial Policies & Indian Responses • Resistance & Nationalism •
Regional Histories
An interdisciplinary orientation and the ability to relate specialised research to the wider history and culture of the period will be particularly valued.
NATURE OF THE WORK
The work will be primarily secondary research: critically examining the relevant
Bhavan History volumes to identify gaps in their coverage, and studying recent and
authoritative books, journals and research papers to identify significant new findings,
evidence and interpretations relevant to the Update. Research Associates will prepare
concise annotations of such material for consideration by the Editors. Primary research
or examination of original sources may occasionally be required, but only when
specifically necessary.
ELIGIBILITY
Open to MPhil/PhD holders / researchers / Faculty teaching
History majors at the graduate level.
Candidates should preferably have:
- M.Phil./Ph.D. in History (Medieval or Modern Period)
- Teaching experience at the graduate level (desirable)
- Familiarity with recent scholarship and historiographical developments
- Knowledge of Indo-Persian historical sources, particularly desirable for
candidates specializing in the Medieval period
- Knowledge of History of Ancient India (desirable)
- Ability to critically read and evaluate academic publications
- Sound academic writing and communication skills
- Familiarity with academic databases, digital libraries, and contemporary
research tools
WORKFLOW
Locate relevant scholarship → Read critically → Identify what is new and significant →
Verify and annotate → Assess its relevance to the original volumes → Present it clearly
for editorial consideration.
Academic judgement, wide reading, intellectual curiosity and
an interdisciplinary outlook are central to the role.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested candidates should submit:
A. Brief Covering Note, indicating:
- Area of specialisation and research interests
- Preference of location/mode: Medieval Indian History — Full time Pune, or
Modern Indian History — Full time Bengaluru, or Part-time from home
- Details of M.Phil./Ph.D. dissertation or current doctoral research, where
applicable, and a list of publications, if any
B. Curriculum Vitae
C. One representative sample of academic writing
Last date for applications: 10th September 2026
Shortlisted candidates will be contacted for the next
stage of the selection process.
