Personal Details

• 🎂Date of Birth
• 26 November 1919
• 📍Place of Birth
• Barauni, Begusarai, Bihar and Orissa Province, British India
• 🎓Education
• Ram Sharan Sharma completed his matriculation in 1937 and pursued higher studies at Patna College, Patna University, where he studied from the intermediate to the postgraduate level.
• He later attended the School of Oriental and African Studies (SOAS), University of London, under the guidance of historian A. L. Basham, and earned his PhD in 1956 with a thesis titled "Sudras in Ancient India," which was later published as a book.

Early Career

• Ram Sharan Sharma embarked on his professional journey in the field of history, quickly establishing himself as a prominent figure through his academic pursuits and insightful research.
• 🎓First Teaching Appointments (1943–1946)
• Ram began his teaching career in 1943 at a college in Arrah. From July 1944 to November 1946, he served as a lecturer in Bhagalpur, where he started to develop his interest in the socio-economic history of India. These early years in teaching gave him the foundation for his lifelong dedication to historical research.
• 🏛️ Entry into Patna University (1946)
• In 1946, Sharma joined Patna College, Patna University as a lecturer. This marked the beginning of a long association with Patna University, where he rose to become one of its most distinguished professors. His years at Patna also connected him with reformist movements and leaders in Bihar, shaping his progressive outlook on history.
• 📑 Special Officer Role in Bihar–Bengal Boundary Dispute (1948)
• In 1948, Sharma went on deputation as a Special Officer in the Political Department of the Government of Bihar. At the instance of Dr. Sachchidananda Sinha, he prepared a detailed report on the Bihar–Bengal Boundary Dispute. His report was highly praised and played a decisive role in permanently resolving the issue. The quality of his work earned him recognition from national leaders, including Rajendra Prasad, who appreciated his clarity and scholarly rigor.
• 👨‍🏫 Rise as Professor and Department Head (1958–1973)
• In 1958, Sharma was promoted to Professor and became the Head of the Department of History at Patna University, a position he held until 1973. During this long tenure, he transformed the department into a respected centre of historical research in India. His commitment to rigorous analysis and secular interpretation of history inspired a generation of students and scholars.
• 📚 Academic Recognition and Fellowships
• During this phase of his career, Sharma also received the University Grants Commission National Fellowship (1958–1981), which further strengthened his academic standing. His growing influence as a historian was evident not only in his teaching but also in his publications and research that challenged orthodox views of ancient Indian history.

Career Journey

• Ram Sharan Sharma was a pioneering historian who revolutionized the study of ancient India by applying Marxist perspectives and focusing on socio-economic structures.
• 🎓Transition to Delhi University (1973)
• In 1973, Ram Sharan Sharma moved to Delhi University, where he was appointed Professor of History. His entry into the university marked a turning point in his academic journey, as he became an influential teacher, researcher, and public intellectual in the capital. His lectures attracted large audiences, and his ability to simplify complex aspects of ancient Indian history made him a beloved figure among students.
• 🏛️ Founding Chairman of ICHR (1972–1977)
• Even before joining Delhi University, Sharma was entrusted with a national responsibility. He became the founding Chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), serving from 1972 to 1977. Under his leadership, ICHR was established as the foremost institution supporting historical research in India. He emphasized evidence-based, secular, and rational approaches to history, encouraging younger historians to challenge outdated interpretations.
• 🌍 International Teaching & Recognition (1959–1987)
• Sharma’s reputation as a historian extended well beyond India. Between 1959 and 1987, he taught in several prestigious foreign universities, including the University of Toronto, the University of London (SOAS), and the University of Mauritius. His lectures abroad strengthened his standing as a global authority on ancient Indian socio-economic history.
• 📑 Educational Advisor to Nigeria (1975–1976)
• In 1975–76, Sharma served as an Educational Advisor to the Government of Nigeria, where he contributed his expertise in shaping history curricula and academic policies. His advisory role highlighted his recognition not only as a historian but also as an educationist of international repute.
• 👨‍🏫 Leadership at Delhi University (1987–1991)
• Sharma eventually rose to become the Head of the History Department at Delhi University (1987–1989) and later the Dean of the Faculty of Social Sciences (1989–1991). During these years, he guided numerous research scholars, published extensively, and firmly established Delhi University as a hub of historical research and academic debate
• 📚 Post-Retirement Scholarly Work
• After he retired from Delhi University in 1985, Sharma remained deeply active in academic life. He continued to write, lecture, and publish widely on themes such as the material basis of ancient Indian society, the decline of the Mauryan Empire, and the origins of feudalism. His works became essential reading for students and researchers of Indian history.
• ✍️ Prolific Writing and Popular Works
• Sharma authored over 50 books, many of which were translated into different Indian and foreign languages. His most celebrated work, “India’s Ancient Past”, became a standard textbook for understanding early Indian history. His ability to blend academic rigor with clarity of expression ensured that his writings reached both scholars and general readers alike.
• 📰 Influence in Public Discourse
• Beyond academia, Sharma often intervened in public debates on history, education, and secularism. He actively countered communal interpretations of the past and defended history writing based on rational analysis and evidence. His voice was highly respected in shaping public understanding of India’s ancient heritage.
• 🌍 Global Impact and Legacy
• Sharma’s scholarship not only transformed Indian historiography but also gained global recognition. His interpretations of the economic and social structures of ancient India influenced historians worldwide. Generations of students, researchers, and teachers continue to draw inspiration from his works, ensuring that his intellectual legacy remains alive.

Achievements and Milestones

• Here's a list of awards received by Ram Sharan Sharma:
• 📜 Awards and Recognition
• Jawaharlal Nehru Award, 1979
• Campbell Memorial Gold Medal (Asiatic Society of Bombay), 1987
• General President, Indian History Congress, 1989
• Honorary Fellowship, Asiatic Society of Bangladesh, 1992
• National Fellow, Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR)