The Department of International Studies and History organized research methodology workshop and lecture series on the “Twentieth Century China” from 20th January – 22nd January, 2020. Day 1 began with the talk on ‘Trans-Himalayan Science in 20th Century China’ by Dr. Arunabh Ghosh, Professor of History at Harvard University. Fr. Jose CC, Pro Vice Chancellor and Dr. Madhumati Deshpande, Department Co-ordinator introduced the three day lecture series.

Dr. Ghosh began the talk by describing the state of India-China relations after the 1962 war. The trajectory of both the countries becoming polarised, despite sharing civilizational contact. In this context, Dr. Ghosh stated how the role of science to chart the evolution of their relations is often neglected.
He presented the audience with the link between both the countries through science, by mentioning about Xu Ren, a palaeobotanist. Xu Ren had received his doctorate from the Lucknow University in 1946, and was in close contact with Birbal Sahni, one of the eminent Indian scientists. This is supplemented by the fact that scientific interactions between the countries had begun as early as 1880. Xu Ren's contribution to the development of scientific field in India is important as it negates the borders between both the countries, and fosters the idea of pan-Asianism. Also, New Delhi hosting the 1st delegation of Chinese Academy Science (CAS) for discussion on origin of different crop varieties in 1949 counts as a big initiative. Because after the establishment of People's Republic of China, it was one of China’s first interactions with a non-communist state.

In the contemporary times, there has been a revival of interests in both the countries' relations due to a number of developments. China has emerged as a global military and economic power, in comparison to India which is a leading regional power. Both the countries are leading the world in terms of population size and economic growth. Both are vying for substantial leadership position in the international sphere. To address such changes, science and technology becomes significant, providing potential for collaboration and co-operation between both the countries. Thus, fostering their growth further.

Dr. Ghosh spoke about different methodologies employed to understand India-China relations. They range from comparison to connection and circulation among the countries. Such methods enable in viewing the existing paradigm in a new light. As well as helps in understanding one place through the experience of the other. However, the framework for the same should not be concentrated on the Western model.
In conclusion, the discussant Dr. Soundar Rajan , NIAS, presented his views on the lecture, which was followed by an engaging Q&A session.