Normally, youd expect a municipal government to express its appreciation by giving you the keys to the city. Japans Fukuoka City thinks on a much broader scale. In 1990, the city instituted the Fukuoka Asian Cultural Prizes for individuals who have made outstanding scientific, artistic and cultural achievements in their fields. The joke going around Delhis Jawaharlal Nehru University is that this years winner is history "" literally. When Dr Romila Thapar steps up to the podium in September, the School of Social Studies at JNU will be applauding harder than anyone else for the lady whos been Professor Emeritus there for the last five years or so.
The eminent historians crisp signature has been appended to scores of monographs, textbooks and scholastic works, but the vast majority of Indians remember her most for a little volume called The History of India. It ranked alongside Nehrus Discovery of India and Letters from a Father to his Daughter in popularity, and made a serious pitch to be included alongside Toynbees work. It was among the first histories of India to break away from the turgid technical tone that serious academic works were supposed to adopt.
At a press conference held to announce the news, a beaming Dr Thapar confessed that she was somewhat overwhelmed by the honour. In a field where laurels are sadly thin on the ground, thats understandable. But there are many of her admirers who might disagree, pointing out that its an honour long overdue.