Nandini Das, a 49-year-old British-Indian author, historian, and academic, has recently earned the prestigious 2023 British Academy Book Prize for Global Cultural Understanding. As a Professor of Early Modern Literature and Culture at the University of Oxford, Das specializes in exploring the cultural and intellectual exchanges between India and Europe during the early modern era. Her award-winning debut book, "Courting India: England, Mughal India, and the Origins of Empire," published by Bloomsbury in 2023, presents a groundbreaking account of the first English diplomatic mission to Mughal India, led by Sir Thomas Roe in the early 17th century.
Drawing from a diverse array of sources, including Indian and British eyewitness accounts, Das skillfully narrates the intricacies of this intricate and occasionally challenging encounter. She sheds light on the struggles faced by English and Mughal ambassadors in comprehending each other's cultures and political systems, while also highlighting the instances of cooperation and relationship-building that emerged from these interactions.
"Courting India" has garnered acclaim for its originality, meticulous scholarship, and engaging writing style. Das's work is of paramount significance as it challenges the conventional perception of the British Empire as a unilateral imposition of culture and values upon colonized peoples. She compellingly demonstrates that the relationship between Britain and India was notably more complex and nuanced, marked by extensive cultural exchange and mutual learning.
Nandini Das hails from India, where she was born and raised. Her academic journey commenced with the study of English literature at the University of Delhi, followed by the attainment of a PhD in English from the University of Cambridge. After completing her doctorate, Das embarked on her teaching career, initially at the University of Warwick before joining the University of Oxford in 2011.
Das's research interests center around the cultural and intellectual exchanges between India and Europe during the early modern era. She demonstrates a particular fascination with examining the interactions between the English and Mughal empires and how these interactions played a pivotal role in shaping the development of both empires.
In addition to her scholarly pursuits, Das is a fervent advocate for fostering public engagement with history. Her writings have graced the pages of various popular publications, including the BBC and The Guardian. Furthermore, she is a frequent speaker at public events, where she passionately shares her research findings and her deep-rooted passion for history.
Nandini Das emerges as a scholar-writer who excels in bridging cultures uniquely and vitally. Her work not only enhances our comprehension of the multifaceted and sometimes tumultuous relationship between Britain and India but also challenges us to reevaluate the legacy of colonialism from a fresh perspective.
