# Sumit Sarkar, Marxist historian of modern India, dies at 87

2026-08-13T20:04:02+00:00 | India | Indian Opinion Desk

Corroboration: 2 independent outlets

Sumit Sarkar, the eminent Marxist historian of modern India, died at a private hospital in New Delhi on Thursday. He was 87. The University of Delhi professor was best known for "The Swadeshi Movement in Bengal" and "Modern India, 1885-1947". His work shifted historical focus from elites to socio-economic processes and popular struggles, the Times of India reports. Former students quoted by The Hindu recalled his scintillating lectures and generosity. The Delhi University Teachers' Association called his passing a profound loss for historical scholarship and the democratic movement.

## Coverage

- thehindu.com <https://www.thehindu.com/news/national/sumit-sarkar-eminent-scholar-of-modern-indian-history-dies-at-87/article71342624.ece>
- timesofindia.indiatimes.com <https://timesofindia.indiatimes.com/city/delhi/sumit-sarkar-historian-who-made-history-speak-for-people-passes-away/articleshow/133222387.cms>

Tags: Marxist historian, modern Indian history, Obituary, Sumit Sarkar
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