IIT Hyderabad hosts UKRI symposium on 19th-century studies
On February 2, 2026, the Indian Institute of Technology Hyderabad (IIT H) marked a significant milestone in its global academic presence by hosting the UKRI International Symposium on Nineteenth-Century Studies. This symposium, titled “Transnational Encounters in/through South Asia,” was organized by the Public Humanities Initiative (PHI Centre) under the leadership of Dr. Shuhita Bhattacharjee, in collaboration with Kingston University, UK.
Significance of the Symposium
This event was notable as the first symposium of its kind in South Asia, stemming from a substantial UK Research and Innovation (UKRI) grant aimed at fostering collaborative research on nineteenth-century Indo-British history. IIT Hyderabad served as the lead Indian partner in this initiative, which brought together scholars from India, the United Kingdom, and the United States.
Key Themes and Discussions
During the symposium, participants examined various themes related to colonial encounters, gendered histories, visual archives, and cultural exchanges that shaped South Asia throughout the long nineteenth century. The event featured keynote addresses from distinguished scholars:
- Dr. Tara Puri from the University of Bristol, who explored colonial photographic archives of Indian women.
- Prof. Supriya Chaudhuri, Professor Emerita at Jadavpur University, who analyzed representations of affect in nineteenth-century texts and visual materials.
International Participation
The symposium attracted contributions from a wide range of institutions, including:
- University of Edinburgh
- University of Warwick
- University of Birmingham
- University of Roehampton
- University of Exeter
- Various institutions in the United States
This international scope reflected the symposium’s commitment to fostering interdisciplinary and cross-regional dialogue among scholars.
Topics of Discussion
Over the course of two days, discussions at the symposium addressed a variety of critical topics, including:
- Colonial exhibitions
- Performance cultures
- Embodied gendered encounters
Participants also drew connections between historical research and contemporary issues such as:
- Climate change
- Public health inequities
- Sexual violence legislation
This approach highlighted how historical inquiry continues to inform present-day social and political debates.
Launch of the Nineteenth-Century Diversities Research Network
A major outcome of the symposium was the launch of the Nineteenth-Century Diversities Research Network (NCDRN). This network is the first South Asian initiative dedicated to nineteenth-century studies and was established by Dr. Bhattacharjee in collaboration with Dr. Eadaoin Agnew of Kingston University.
The NCDRN positions IIT Hyderabad as a key hub in an emerging global consortium focused on nineteenth-century research and public humanities. The initiative received praise from international scholars for its potential to foster interdisciplinary and cross-regional dialogue.
Reactions from IIT Hyderabad Leadership
Faculty leaders at IIT Hyderabad welcomed the establishment of the NCDRN as a model of public-spirited, interdisciplinary scholarship. IIT Hyderabad Director, Prof. B S Murty, congratulated the organizers and emphasized the importance of highlighting India’s rich cultural heritage through historical studies.
Conclusion
The UKRI International Symposium on Nineteenth-Century Studies at IIT Hyderabad not only showcased the institution’s commitment to global academic collaboration but also set the stage for future research and dialogue in the field. By addressing historical contexts and their relevance to contemporary issues, the symposium has laid a foundation for ongoing exploration of South Asia’s diverse narratives.
Note: This article is based on information available as of February 2026 and reflects the ongoing efforts to enhance interdisciplinary research in historical studies.
