The Department of Sociology, University of Hyderabad, hosted a thought-provoking guest lecture on July 9, 2025, titled “The Politics of the Plains: Rajbongshi and Rebellion at the India–Nepal Borderlands.” Dr. Abhishek Bhattacharyya, Assistant Professor of South Asian Cultures at New York University – Liberal Studies, delivered the lecture, engaging faculty members, research scholars, and students from various social science departments.
Dr. Bhattacharyya’s research, rooted in extensive fieldwork, explored the Rajbongshi community’s role in regional movements, highlighting their marginalized position and cross-border settlements. The lecture critically examined existing scholarship on borders and borderlands, introducing the concept of “subaltern local interaction” to underscore the complexity of sociological concepts.
The talk sparked an enriching discussion, facilitating an exchange of ideas among participants. The event concluded with a engaging Q&A session, demonstrating the lecture’s impact on the academic community.
Professor G. Nagaraju, Head of the Department of Sociology, introduced the speaker, while Professor Anurekha Chari Wagh coordinated the event.
The lecture provided valuable insights into the politics of borderlands, highlighting the need for nuanced understanding of marginalized communities and their struggles.
This event showcased the department’s commitment to fostering academic excellence and interdisciplinary dialogue.