One of India’s preeminent historians examines the role of history in contemporary society. Romila Thapar begins by explaining how definitions of culture have changed over the past three centuries.

One of India’s preeminent historians examines the role of history in contemporary society. Romila Thapar begins by explaining how definitions of culture have changed over the past three centuries.

Romila Thapar begins by explaining how definitions of culture have changed over the past three centuries. She suggests that cultures can be defined as a shared understanding of selected objects and thoughts from the past, but this understanding is often stripped of its historical context.