An Indian polymath who changed how we study Indian history

A mathematician, historian, and scholar extraordinaire, Dharmananda Kosambi’s work continues to inspire those who seek to unravel the intricate tapestry of the past.

In the intellectual history of humankind, there are some luminaries whose brilliance is transcendent, leaving an indelible mark on their chosen fields. One such, a polymath of prodigious proportions, was Damodar Dharmananda Kosambi. A mathematician, historian, and scholar extraordinaire, Kosambi’s work continues to inspire those who seek to unravel the intricate tapestry of the past.

Born in 1907 in a small coastal town in Goa, Kosambi defied the odds of his humble beginnings to make pioneering contributions to historical scholarship and mathematics -- critical explorations of ancient India, and his ground breaking work in the field of numismatics. Kosambi’s journey in academia began with mathematics, displaying an innate mathematical talent from a young age, going on to receive a PhD.

It wasn’t long before his insatiable curiosity led him to tread a different path altogether -- one that would forever change the way we perceive and understand ancient India. His approach to history was revolutionary. Not content with the traditional narratives that had long dominated historical discourse, he breathed life into history by analysing the social, economic, and political undercurrents that shaped the civilizations of yore. For Kosambi, every rock, every hamlet, everything he saw was source material of history, telling us how much of the past is alive in our present.

Kosambi’s first book, An Introduction to the Study of Indian History (ISIH), published in 1956, signalled a paradigm shift in historiography, in the use of the comparative method that requires the historian to adopt an interdisciplinary approach. He demonstrated this with eclectic scholarship, all the more remarkable for an Indologist who by discipline was a mathematician.

For Kosambi, history was the chronological order of the development in the means and relations of production. ISIH remains a foundational text in the field, challenging conventional wisdom and offering fresh perspectives on the evolution of Indian society. One of Kosambi’s contributions that deserves mention was his ability to bridge the chasm between history and science. He believed that history, like any other scientific discipline, should be rigorously analysed and empirically validated. His innovative use of statistical methods to study historical phenomena, known as cliometrics, revolutionised the study of economic history and stands in contrast to prior methods that tended to rely on qualitative, interpretive, and narrative methods, and his work remains influential even today.

Kosambi’s importance extends beyond academia. His discerning eye and sharp mind led him to numismatics. To him, these small, seemingly insignificant pieces of metal were windows into the past. Kosambi’s numismatic studies unearthed a treasure trove of historical insights, shedding light on trade routes, political alliances, and cultural exchanges that spanned centuries.

One of his celebrated works, The Culture and Civilisation of Ancient India in Historical Outline (1964), is a testament to his ability to synthesize complex information into a coherent narrative. In this masterpiece, Kosambi traverses the annals of Indian history, examining the interplay of dynasties, religions, and cultures. His writing is marked by a unique blend of erudition and accessibility, making the multifaceted Indian history accessible to scholars and lay readers alike.

No tribute to Kosambi would be complete without acknowledging his unwavering commitment to social justice. At a time when caste hierarchies and social inequalities loomed large over Indian society, Kosambi used his intellectual prowess as a weapon for change. He challenged oppressive systems and advocated for a more egalitarian society, a stance that earned him both admirers and detractors. To fully appreciate his contributions, we must also acknowledge the challenges he faced. His outspoken views and critiques of the status quo were not without consequences. He encountered resistance, criticism, and at times, isolation. Yet, he persevered, driven by an unshakeable belief in the power of knowledge to transform society.

Kosambi’s legacy is one of mathematical precision, historical inquiry, and social activism. He was not content with merely observing the world; he sought to transform it through the power of scientific and critical thinking. His journey through the sands of time leaves us with a roadmap for innovative scholarship, and a call to action for a more just and equitable world. As we navigate the complexities of the present and seek to shape the future, we can look to his legacy as a reminder that seeking to understand and change the world is a noble endeavour worth pursuing with unwavering dedication and boundless curiosity.

D D Kosambi was a visionary, a trailblazer, a scholar who ventured into uncharted territories, and a champion of social justice. His work continues to inspire generations of scholars, reminding us that the pursuit of knowledge is not a solitary endeavour but a shared journey through the corridors of time. Reading Kosambi is to appreciate the unending quest for knowledge and the profound impact one individual can have on epistemology. Engage with Kosambi, his classic ISIH is a good beginning.