Building a Legacy: A Guide to Becoming a Renowned Historian Like Dr. Romila Thapar

Dr. Romila Thapar, one of the most respected and influential historians in the world, has left an indelible mark on the field of history. Her dedication to truth, careful selection of research topics, and strategic approach to pursuing funding and publications have contributed to her esteemed status. In this article, we explore the qualities and strategies that have made Dr. Thapar so successful in her discipline.

Truth in Historical Research

One of the fundamental principles of historical research, as Dr. Thapar would emphasize, is the pursuit of truth with utmost diligence. She once said, Truth is such a precious commodity that you must exercise the strictest economy in its use. This means that every piece of data, every historical document, and every narrative thread must be meticulously examined, cross-verified, and analyzed. Any historian who prioritizes accuracy and comprehensiveness over sensationalism can build a solid foundation for their work.

Choosing Your Research Topic

Dr. Thapar often advised young scholars to choose research topics that are novel yet not overly controversial. Avoiding extremely sensitive subjects like ancient Indian history until about 1200 AD is crucial. For example, searching Quora and the internet for information about rulers of the Harappan civilization reveals the potential reactions from authorities. It is wise to identify less controverted areas like the division of revenue proceeds between Akbar and Mansingh in Orissa states. This approach ensures that your research is well-received and impactful.

Selecting a Guide

The choice of a guide is paramount in historical research. Both the guide’s capability and willingness to mentor must be carefully evaluated. Established guides might take a significant amount of time to retain a student for their own publications, causing delays in progress. On the other hand, young, enthusiastic guides might lack the necessary experience to navigate the complex approval processes. It is worth delaying registration for a few years if it means avoiding such complications. Once established as a faculty member, leveraging government grants for research is crucial. There are numerous international organizations offering grants for historical research in India.

Strategic Funding and Grants

Dr. Thapar’s success also lies in her strategic approach to securing funding. Government and international organizations provide numerous grants for historical research. It is essential to keep an extensive search of the internet for these opportunities. Once you have secured funding, it is just as important to publish findings that will please the grant-giving authorities. This ensures a steady flow of support for your ongoing research.

Strategic Publishing and Citations

Dr. Thapar always kept in mind the impact of her publications. Before and after writing and publishing her articles, she developed strategies to enhance the citation index and impact factor. This includes understanding the requirements of peer reviewers, adapting to publishing trends, and ensuring that each publication is presented in the best possible light.

By following Dr. Thapar’s example, you can build a successful and impactful career in historical research. The pursuit of truth, careful selection of topics, strategic mentoring, and smart funding strategies are key to paving your own legacy in the field.