Sat Feb 14 18:38:37 UTC 2026: # Charu Gupta Wins Prestigious Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy Prize

The Story:

Delhi University Professor Charu Gupta has been awarded the 2026 Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy Prize by the Association for Asian Studies for her book, Hindi Hindu Histories: Caste, Ayurveda, Travel, and Communism in Early Twentieth-Century India. The award, announced on February 11, 2026, recognizes Professor Gupta’s outstanding scholarly work on South Asia. Her book, published in 2024, delves into the diverse perspectives on caste, gender, nationhood, and Hindu identity in early twentieth-century North India through autobiographies and vernacular print culture.

Professor Gupta’s work utilizes a rich Hindi archive to examine the contrasting viewpoints of an anti-caste reformer, a female ayurvedic practitioner, a nationalist travel writer, and a Left journalist, highlighting the breadth of Hindu thought a century ago and its potential narrowing in contemporary times. Her broader research focuses on gender, caste, masculinity, medicine, and religious identities, significantly impacting debates on modern Indian history and print culture.

Key Points:

  • Charu Gupta, a Delhi University Professor, won the 2026 Ananda Kentish Coomaraswamy Prize.
  • The award recognizes her book Hindi Hindu Histories: Caste, Ayurveda, Travel, and Communism in Early Twentieth-Century India, published in 2024.
  • The book explores diverse perspectives on caste, gender, nationhood, and Hindu identity in early twentieth-century North India.
  • The award is presented by the Association for Asian Studies.
  • The prize is named after art historian and cultural thinker Ananda K. Coomaraswamy.

Key Takeaways:

  • Professor Gupta’s work is recognized as an outstanding contribution to the field of South Asian studies.
  • Her research offers valuable insights into the complexities of Hindu identity and social dynamics in early 20th-century India.
  • The award underscores the importance of studying vernacular print culture and personal narratives in understanding historical transformations.

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