Articles by Thomas Timberg

Harilal and Sons by Sujit Saraf, New Delhi: Speaking Tiger, 2016; pp 316, ₹ 699.

The Rise of Big Business in India by Kamal Aron Mitra Chenoy, Delhi: Aakar Books, 2015; pp 342, ₹895.

I am thankful for Ajay Skaria’s moving tribute to Chris Bayly (“Remembering Chris Bayly,” EPW, 23 May 2015). I had not met him for many years but can vouch for his humanity and openness that has been described. And the description of his place in contemporary academic history is useful.

In general Renuka Sane and Susan Thomas’ article on “Regulating Microfinance Institutions” (EPW, 2 February 2013) is a judicious and insightful one. But I think one statement may raise an important question – not only for this

Markets and Identity Community and Public Culture by Anne Hardgrove, Oxford University Press, New Delhi, 2004; pp xxx+309, Rs 595.
THOMAS TIMBERG This is an eminently readable volume about the sense of identity of the Marwaris of Kolkata, their relations to Bengalis and others, and how these two have played themselves out over the course of the 20th century. It is informed by a lot of social and anthropological theory about such matters, a good deal of archival research, and considerable personal involvement by the author. Readers would do well to read the preface where some of the personal interactions are analysed. Some of the most valuable insights come from understanding how young women react to these identity questions; one of the interesting follow-on questions is how the old men involved really think about these matters. The general issue of community identity and what it means is clearly an item of continuing and current interest. The back jacket conveniently notes a set of other Oxford University Press India titles considering