31st july 2007 to 31st july 2008 is 'The Birth Centenary year of Prof.D.D.Kosambi.D.D.Kosambi ( now on DDK) is well known to the scholars and students of Social sciences as the historian-indologist who introduced historical materialist methods in the study of indian history.DDK's work was instrumental in bringing a paradigm shift in the indian histiriography from the 'glorified history of dynasties to the history of the evolution of relations and modes of production thus making it people's history.Although DDK was a Marxist and his historical analysis is largely enfluenced by engels he never copied the historical stages of developement propunded by marx-engels to suit indian history without any 'archaeological-anthropological-lngustic' research.DDK's work always remains inspirational for those who seek to analyze indian history through marxistperspective but refuse to be OMs i.e. Official ( party line) Marxists.As kosambi has pointed out in one of his articles rather incissively' Marxism is a method of thinking not a substitute to thinking'!
Although DDK is a respected figure in academic circles people at large ( even students of history) seem to be unaware of the work and thoughts of this legendary mathematician turned historian.A maarthi biography of DDK written by lt.Prof.C.D.Deshmukh ( People's Science Activist) is perhaps the only serious effort made to popularize DDK's Thought.Hence Lokavangmaya Gruha-A Leftist Publication House associated with left parties,is planning to organize 'D.D.Kosambi Samaj Vigyan Prabodhan Mala' at maharashtra state level.This initiative is intended to spread DDK's thoughts and to initiate discussuions on historical issues of contemporary relevance.
Nature of The Programme-
- To organize minimum 2 lectures or 1 seminar at every university place in maharastra.
- To call eminent national-international scholars to present papers in these seminars.
- To Publish articles by intellectuals from maharashtra in various marathi newspapers and journals on DDK's work and thought.
- To seek participation of university social sciences departments in these activities.
- To screen Documentaries regarding Indian History-Archaeology ( especially to the students) which will be followed by a discussion session.
- to organize a national level seminar on ' Histiriography:Methods of analysis and contemporray issues' in University of Mumbai,preferrably in November/December 2007.
Following issues Shall be discussed in the course of the series of programmes that we are planning.
1 Caste system in India:Historical evolution,Contemporary nature and various methods of analysis.( class-caste approach,Class Approach,Racial Approach)
2Budhism in India:Rise and Fall and Historical-Social Function
3 Myth and Reality.
4Combined Methods in Indology
5 Evolution of State and class structure in India in historical perspective.
6 History of heterodoxy and dissent in indian tradition.
7 Study of Historical Eco-Political Transitions ( eg. Tramsition from Tribe to State)
Expecting Suggestions/changes/criticisms.
