Itihas Nirman O Arya Samasya

• Author: Sameer Karmakar, Sunandan Kumar Sen
• Publisher: Ananda Publishers
• Language: Bengali
• ISBN: 9789389876611
• Pages: 192
• Format: Hardcover

Description

Itihas Nirman O Arya Samasya explores the complex relationship between history and language through a thought-provoking dialogue between two scholars, Sameer Karmakar and Sunandan Kumar Sen. The book seeks to unravel the intricate questions that emerge when examining the construction of history, particularly in times when political and socio-economic frameworks are in flux.

• Core Themes:

  • Nature of History: The book starts by questioning the very nature of history itself. What does history mean, and how do we determine the truth of historical narratives? What are the methods by which historical truth is validated, and how does history shape our identity?
  • Historical Construction: The authors delve into the idea of historical construction — how history is both created and interpreted. They examine the process of constructing narratives and uncovering historical truths through language, memory, and identity.
  • Language and History: A central theme of the book is the intersection of language and history. How does language serve as the tool for constructing historical narratives? The book addresses the relationship between the language used in historical writing and the history it attempts to record.
  • Aryan Issue: The book also tackles the Aryan problem, a topic of significant historical and socio-political importance, especially in the context of Indian history. The authors explore how the Aryan question has been understood and debated in historical discourse, and how its interpretation has influenced societal thinking.

• Exploration of Memory and Identity:
  The authors use historical inquiry to investigate not just the past, but also the ways in which history shapes personal and collective memory. They reflect on how history is intimately connected to the identity of individuals and nations, often mediated by the language of historical texts.

• Key Issues Raised:

  • How do historical events become narratives, and who decides which narratives are told?
  • What role does language play in shaping historical consciousness?
  • What are the implications of historical writing for contemporary political and social struggles?

• Academic Approach:
  The work of Sameer Karmakar and Sunandan Kumar Sen takes a philosophical and linguistic approach to history. The book is both an academic inquiry and a reflection on the human condition, making it relevant for students of history, philosophy, and linguistics, as well as anyone interested in the intersection of language, memory, and identity in shaping our understanding of the past.

This book serves as a critical investigation into how history is written, what it means for modern society, and the implications of historical constructions on cultural and national identity.