Ramachandra Guha - A Lifestory

Ramachandra Guha is a prominent Indian historian, writer, and public intellectual whose work primarily focuses on Indian history, politics, environmentalism, and cricket. Born in 1958, he received his education at the Doon School, St. Stephen's College, and the Delhi School of Economics. He later pursued a Ph.D. in social history from the Indian Institute of Management Calcutta. Guha's academic background provided a strong foundation for his later work, blending rigorous research with accessible writing.

Guha's literary output is extensive and diverse. He is best known for his comprehensive and acclaimed book, "India After Gandhi," which chronicles the history of India from its independence to the present day. This book is widely regarded as a definitive account of postindependence India, offering insights into the country's political, social, and economic transformations. Beyond "India After Gandhi," Guha has authored numerous other books, including biographies of Mahatma Gandhi ("Gandhi Before India") and Verrier Elwin ("Savaging the Civilized"), as well as works on environmental history ("The Unquiet Woods") and cricket ("A Corner of a Foreign Field").

His writing style is characterized by its clarity, depth, and engagement with contemporary issues. Guha is a prolific essayist and commentator, frequently contributing to leading newspapers and journals on topics ranging from politics and social justice to environmental conservation and sports. He has held visiting professorships at prestigious universities around the world, including Yale, Stanford, and the London School of Economics. His work has earned him numerous awards and accolades, solidifying his position as one of India's leading intellectuals and a respected voice on Indian history and contemporary affairs.