Sonia, Rahul condole Bipan Chandra's death

Congress president Sonia Gandhi and party vice president Rahul Gandhi Saturday condoled the death of noted historian Bipan Chandra.

Sonia Gandhi described the 86-year-old as "an erudite chronicler of modern Indian history and the nation's struggle for independence."

Sonia Gandhi said Chandra's books left a lasting imprint on the minds of millions of students in their formative years, a statement from her office said.

"He (Chandra) played a pioneering role as a teacher, scholar and researcher, and mentored many a future historians and will be deeply missed," Sonia Gandhi said in her condolence message.

Rahul Gandhi added: "Saddened to hear of the passing away of Chandra. His books introduced many generations of students to the Indian national movement and the freedom struggle. My prayers are with his family and loved ones."

Chandra died in his sleep Saturday morning at his home in Gurgaon.

The former professor of history was also considered to be an authority on Mahatma Gandhi.

Author of several books such as "The Making of Modern India: From Marx to Gandhi", "History of Modern India" and "The Rise and Growth of Economic Nationalism in India", Chandra was also former chairman of the National Book Trust (2004-12).

Congress leader Naveen Jindal mourned his death and tweeted: "Sad to hear about the passing away of noted historian Bipan Chandra. May his soul rest in peace."

Chiki Sarkar, publisher at Penguin Books India, said: "He was one of our (Penguin India's) most respected authors whose books on Indian history have been read by generations of readers. We mourn his passing."