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How (Not) to Write Hill History
Rereading any history for contemporary political projects leads to a partial reading of that history. This is the problem with Tamang and Thendup's reading of Darjeeling's history in the context of Telangana's new statehood. However, Gorkhaland's struggle in no way loses its importance even if it may not be similar to Telangana.
It is argued that history may be a viable resource for contemporary political projects. But such a reading of history is assuredly a partial one, and on closer scrutiny may turn out to be a half-truth with serious consequences for the society at large. This is in reference to the efforts made by Tamang and Thendup (“ ‘Demerger’ and Statehood,” EPW, 19 September 2015). This rejoinder examines the validity of certain claims made by the authors concerning the history of the Darjeeling–Sikkim region, and sheds further light on the unlikeness of Telangana and Gorkhaland. However, Gorkhaland’s struggle in no way loses its importance even if it may not be similar to Telangana.
Subsidiary Alliance Irrelevant
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