In the hallowed halls of Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), a 93-year-old scholar pedals his bicycle to the history department, embodying a lifelong commitment to knowledge and intellectual rigor. Professor Irfan Habib, a Padma Bhushan recipient and Professor Emeritus at AMU, is not just a historian but a living legend whose work has reshaped our understanding of medieval Indian history. Born in 1931 into a family steeped in India’s freedom struggle, Habib’s life is a remarkable blend of academic excellence, ideological conviction, and an enduring connection to his roots. This blog post delves into the life, contributions, and indomitable spirit of Irfan Habib, a giant of Indian historiography.
A Legacy Rooted in Patriotism
Irfan Habib was born into a family that played a pivotal role in India’s fight for independence. His father, Mohammad Habib, was a distinguished historian and a nationalist who contributed to the intellectual underpinnings of the freedom movement. The Habib family’s home was a hub for progressive thinkers, with figures like Abbas Tyabji, a close associate of Mahatma Gandhi, shaping young Irfan’s worldview. This environment instilled in him a deep sense of social responsibility and a commitment to understanding India’s past through a lens that prioritized the lives of ordinary people—peasants, artisans, and workers—over kings and emperors.
Educated at AMU, where he later became a professor, Habib’s early exposure to Marxist ideology influenced his approach to history. He saw history not as a mere chronicle of rulers but as a dynamic process driven by economic and social forces. This perspective would define his scholarship and establish him as one of India’s foremost Marxist historians.
Scholarly Contributions: Redefining Medieval Indian History
Irfan Habib’s academic career spans over six decades, during which he has produced seminal works that remain foundational to the study of medieval India. His most celebrated contribution, The Agrarian System of Mughal India (1556–1707), published in 1963, is a masterpiece that meticulously analyzes the economic structures underpinning the Mughal Empire. The book explores land revenue systems, peasant conditions, and agricultural productivity, offering a granular understanding of how the Mughal economy functioned. It remains a cornerstone text for historians and is lauded for its rigorous use of primary sources, including Persian records and Mughal administrative documents.
Habib’s other works, such as An Atlas of the Mughal Empire (1982, co-authored with Tapan Raychaudhuri), demonstrate his ability to combine textual analysis with cartographic precision, mapping the geographical and political contours of Mughal India. His studies on technology, trade, and urbanization—such as Technology in Medieval India—further highlight his interdisciplinary approach, blending economic history with material culture.
As a Marxist historian, Habib emphasized class structures and economic exploitation, challenging romanticized narratives of the Mughal era. His work on the Aligarh School of historiography, alongside contemporaries like Romila Thapar and Bipan Chandra, helped shift Indian historical scholarship toward a more scientific and people-centric approach. His essays, such as those in Essays in Indian History: Towards a Marxist Perspective, critique colonial and elitist interpretations, offering instead a view of history that foregrounds the struggles of the marginalized.
A Life of Intellectual and Physical Vitality
At 93, Irfan Habib remains an active scholar, a testament to his lifelong passion for history. His daily bicycle rides to the AMU history department are not just a quirky anecdote but a symbol of his unrelenting dedication. Colleagues and students describe him as approachable yet formidable, always ready to engage in debates or guide young scholars. His office, stacked with books and manuscripts, is a pilgrimage site for historians seeking his insights.
Habib’s commitment extends beyond academia. He has been a vocal advocate for secularism and progressive values, often critiquing communalism and historical revisionism. His public lectures and writings reflect a deep concern for preserving India’s pluralistic heritage, a stance rooted in his family’s nationalist legacy.
The Aligarh Connection
Aligarh Muslim University has been the heart of Habib’s academic journey. As a student, professor, and now Professor Emeritus, he has shaped AMU’s history department into a powerhouse of historical research. The department’s emphasis on rigorous archival work and critical analysis owes much to Habib’s influence. Even today, he mentors students, participates in seminars, and contributes to academic discussions, proving that age is no barrier to intellectual vitality.
Challenges and Controversies
Habib’s Marxist approach and outspoken views have not been without controversy. Critics have accused him of ideological bias, claiming his focus on class struggles overshadows other aspects of medieval Indian history. In recent years, his opposition to certain political narratives has drawn criticism from right-wing groups. Yet, Habib remains unfazed, defending his scholarship with the same rigor that defines his work. His ability to engage with critics while standing firm in his convictions underscores his intellectual integrity.
A Living Inspiration
Irfan Habib’s life is a testament to the power of ideas and the enduring relevance of history. His scholarship has illuminated the complexities of medieval India, offering insights that resonate with contemporary debates on economy, society, and governance. His physical and intellectual vitality at 93 inspires generations of scholars, reminding us that the pursuit of knowledge is a lifelong journey.
As he cycles through the AMU campus, Habib carries with him a legacy that transcends academia. He is a bridge between India’s past and present, a historian who not only studies history but lives it. For students, researchers, and anyone passionate about understanding India’s rich heritage, Irfan Habib remains a towering figure—a scholar, a patriot, and a true giant of Indian historiography.
Conclusion
Professor Irfan Habib’s contributions to Indian history are monumental, blending meticulous research with a commitment to social justice. His work continues to shape how we understand medieval India, while his life inspires us to pursue knowledge with passion and purpose. Whether through his books, lectures, or the simple act of cycling to work, Habib reminds us that history is not just about the past—it’s about how we engage with it today.
