The African Diaspora in India: Assimilation, Change and Cultural Survivals

This book explores the understudied subject of African presence in India, focusing on the so-called Sidis, Siddis or Habshis who occupy a unique place in Indian history. The work draws from extant scholarly research and documentary sources to provide a comprehensive study of people of African descent in India and shed light on their experiences.

Author: Purnima Mehta Bhatt
Publisher: Routledge India
Published: 09/06/2017
Pages: 152
Binding Type: Hardcover
Weight: 0.79lbs
Size: 8.70h x 5.70w x 0.60d
ISBN: 9781138284869

About the Author

Purnima Mehta Bhatt is Professor (Emerita) of History, Anthropology and Interdisciplinary Studies at Hood College, USA, where she has taught since 1977. She completed her BA and MA in Indian History from the University of Delhi, did post-graduate work at Harvard University and was awarded her PhD in African history from Howard University. Her current research interests focus on the historical and contemporary roles of women in Asia and Africa; global perspectives on women, power and politics; women's leadership in peace movements; the impact of globalisation on women; and the African presence in India. Among her publications are Scholars' Guide to Washington D.C. for African Studies, Reminiscences: The Memoirs of Shardaben Mehta, Shardaben Mehta: Una Mujer Exceptionale en al India de su Tiempo, a chapter in 'Ethno-Ornithology: Birds, Indigenous Peoples, Cultures and Society' and Her Space, Her Story: Exploring the Stepwells of Gujarat (2014). Her most recent publication is a chapter in Women's Leadership in Chaotic Environments (2016). She has lectured extensively across the world, is recipient of many fellowships and honours, and has presented numerous papers at conferences.