An Indomitable Historian, Dwijendra Narayan Jha (1940–2021)

To Strive, To See and Not to Yield

Dwijendra Narayan Jha, one of the most eminent historians of early India, passed away on 4 February 2021. He was academically vibrant and living till his last day, even though health often failed him. He would be sorely missed not only by his fellow academics and students of history but also by conscientious citizens. He was a people’s historian in the true sense of the term. Along with practitioners of history, last few days saw many journalists pouring out their thoughts in memory of Jha. He was accessible to them even from a hospital bed. His only desire was correct interpretation of history for which he often risked his life. A deep sense of grief permeated the entire history fraternity not only in India but abroad too. The huge presence of his compatriots, scholars and students in the memorial meetings bear testimony to his popularity not only as a historian but also as a crusader against any kind of communal forces and social injustice.