There are many Indian historians and as many books on history of India. Yet, the demand does not diminish or so says Salma Ahmed Farooqui, associate professor of history at Maulana Azad National Urdu University whose ‘A Comprehensive History of Medieval India' has just been launched in the city. What inspired her to pen a book? “Well, Pearsons, the publisher got in touch with me after a book on ancient Indian history by Prime Minister Manmohan Singh's daughter Upinder Singh was released. The publishers felt it would do good to have a trilogy and their choice fell on me. I've been in research field with medieval history as my forte ever since my M.Phil days up to my post-doctorate. It's been a passion with me. The publishers had obviously scanned the market but couldn't find a comprehensive history of medieval India which spans generally from 12th to 18th century. The early medieval period is overlooked by most historians- 8th -12th century- which I call the transition era but nevertheless the medieval ages. My book fills in these gaps,” she says.
So, is it a text or just one of those interesting books on the history of India? “Its all. Though essentially a textbook it is not designed in the orthodox textbook mode. It is meant for post-graduate students as well as to cater to NET and UPSC exams. I had to balance all these needs. In a word, it was tailor-made,” says Salma.
Writing was an enjoyable but arduous experience with strings attached. Pearsons reputation being what it is, there had to be nothing but perfection and that meant going through ‘testing' times!
Salma was asked to write two chapters and it was approved by three historians with brief alterations suggested which had to be incorporated. On finishing there was what we call a blind reviewing of the book, chapter-wise.
“Honestly, it was a wee bit frustrating as it kept the book from getting over. The historians across the globe had to review it and I had no clue which chapter actually went to whom. But what made everything so enriching was Pearson group. They don't compromise on quality. I was consulted at every juncture even on the layout of the book. The double column, etc was a learning experience. The incorporation of pedagogic features are definitely student-friendly. Each section starts with a vignette. It runs like an anecdote and not a narrative but so much a part of the whole (story). This style of writing is meant to refresh the students' mind. I was not aware of all this but the publishers were with me throughout making it easy for the writer,” she compliments her publishers more than her Herculean task.
Salma, unlike many women is out and out academic but does enjoy life, parties, music concerts and stage shows not to talk of teaching. “My first love will always be research,” she is quick to add. What more, her book is on the ‘Best Seller' (non-fiction) list for three consecutive weeks in a national newspaper.
