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Rajiv Rai
I was enthused by the idea of writing something remarkable, but I never envisioned about writing a book, since it was beyond my grasp. But Partridge India showed the complaisance or the conviction ...view moreI was enthused by the idea of writing something remarkable, but I never envisioned about writing a book, since it was beyond my grasp. But Partridge India showed the complaisance or the conviction that I can write a book and publish it, for which I shall remain obliged hereafter. My opportunity arrived when I was writing my MPhil dissertation, since it’s been told that – the past is an explanation of the present – My research is of same kind, this book is an attempt to add knowledge to the existing knowledge pool.
While important inroads have been made in recent years by local and foreign researchers, Sikkim is still to some extent a virgin territory for the researchers, only the initial questions of the state formation, seventeenth century religious history and some aspects of the British and Indian periods have been addressed, much work remains to be done on the period of British influence in the region, using both sources in local languages and British archival materials. This book attempts towards contributing to the fulfilment of this need.
Right now I am pursuing my PhD from Sikkim University, Gangtok, India, in the Department of International Relations. My area of research is the effects of colonialism in South Asia; its implications on the region and the dynamics of colonial influence on the states, especially Sikkim. There is a history of meddling of the British in the affairs of Eastern Himalayan states, which led to the synthesis between the three major ethnic communities in the region; the Lepchas, Bhutias, and the Gorkhalis. As the numerical majority, Nepali-speaking Gorkhali community plays an important role in shaping the politics of the region.
By writing this book although, I have been able to fill up some of the important knowledge gaps in the region, but still works remains to be done. Dr. Alex McKay, talks about the East India Company Archives in Rangpur, Bangladesh which could cover the period between 1750 - 1850, and which has not yet been looked by any academicians/researchers till now. He says, “Good to hear that you are working on this subject; there is much to be done, particularly on the early period (esp 1770-1815 and even to 1888), and I think you can contribute here”, when British had significant influence over the region and these materials have not yet been looked by any academicians/researchers, till now. So, there is a lot of scope in carrying out this research, by using sources held at Sikkim, London, Rangpur, and National Archives of India, New Delhi.
I was born and raised and I did my schooling in Sikkim. I did my graduation from Darjeeling, and return back again for the higher studies in Sikkim. The kind of research I am doing, this place would be an ideal place, which is the reason why I am doing my study from this University. Now I am pursuing my PhD, and when I finish my PhD, what would be the prospect for me, that have to be seen.view less
Books by Rajiv Rai
The State in the Colonial Periphery: A Study on Sikkim’S Relation with Great Britain