H. H. Risley and Bengal, 1873-1911

Sir Herbert Hope Risley (1851-1911) – who signed himself ‘H. H. Risley’ – was a member of the Indian Civil Service (ICS) who became British India’s pre-eminent anthropologist.

Sacrificed for Development

After the creation of Pakistan, the nascent state embarked on vigorous projects to industrialise both parts of the country.

Gender and Genocide in Bangladesh

History is complicated; simplifying it is the work of politicians. My research on Bangladesh challenges the national memory of the 1971 war, as represented at the Liberation War Museum.

H. H. Risley and Bengal, 1873-1911

Sir Herbert Hope Risley (1851-1911) – who signed himself ‘H. H. Risley’ – was a member of the Indian Civil Service (ICS) who became British India’s pre-eminent anthropologist.

2w ago

Sacrificed for Development

After the creation of Pakistan, the nascent state embarked on vigorous projects to industrialise both parts of the country.

3w ago

An Untold History of Bengali Migrants in Malaya and Singapore

During the 1980s and 1990s, a new wave of Bangladeshi migrants, comprising mainly unskilled workers, led to a widespread perception of Bengali migrants as itinerant labourers and temporary workers in the Malay Peninsula.

1m ago

The Tale of Ramna Racecourse

In 1825, Charles Dowes, the then Magistrate of Dhaka, initiated the clearing of the Ramna jungle using prison labour. He enclosed an oval-shaped area with wooden railings and introduced horse racing competitions. From that time, the white colonial officials and residents of Dhaka found a source of recreation at the racecourse.

1m ago

Brains before bridges: Prioritising human capital over infrastructure

A glance at the recent history of the world’s most developed nations reveals a compelling truth: no country has ever achieved sustainable development without first investing in education and research.

1m ago

Growth of National Consciousness

Although the emergence of Bangladesh as an independent and sovereign state is a fact of recent history, this country has been the home of an ancient civilization.

1m ago

Wartime treatment: The heroes who saved lives, silently 

While the armed freedom fighters fought valiantly on the battlefield during the 1971 war, a quieter yet equally crucial battle was being waged on the medical front.

1m ago

Gender and Genocide in Bangladesh

History is complicated; simplifying it is the work of politicians. My research on Bangladesh challenges the national memory of the 1971 war, as represented at the Liberation War Museum.

2m ago

Dreaming about Ladyland

More than a century ago, revered Bengali writer Begum Rokeya in her short story Sultana’s Dream had visualized futuristic inventions like solar cookers, atmospheric water generators and flying air-cars. She dreamt of Ladyland as a feminist utopia without crime, the death penalty and epidemics. Here men were shut indoors and responsible for childcare and household chores, while women with “quicker” brains pursued science and shaped inventions.

2m ago

The Faces behind ‘Made in Bangladesh’

In a conversation with Lamia Karim, professor of anthropology at the University of Oregon, Eugene, about her research on Bangladesh's RMG workers.

2m ago