Dr. Tasneem Suhrawardy: A Tribute to an Esteemed Scholar
The internet is currently abuzz with details about Dr. Tasneem Suhrawardy, a respected figure in the field of mediaeval Indian history. Following the recent news of her sudden death, people have been actively seeking more information about her life, achievements, and the circumstances surrounding her unfortunate demise. This article aims to provide a comprehensive overview of Dr. Suhrawardy’s life and contributions to the academic world.
An Academic Pillar: Prof. Dr. Tasneem Suhrawardy
Based at St. Stephen’s College, Dr. Suhrawardy was a highly esteemed professor of mediaeval Indian history. Her colleagues and students remember her as a steadfast pillar of the department, a reliable companion, and a dedicated educator who consistently had high expectations of her students. On Tuesday, she tragically succumbed to cardiac arrest while in hospital care for severe pneumonia since December 4, leaving the academic community in a state of shock.
Having earned her BA (Hons) in history from Stephen’s and an MA from Jawaharlal Nehru University, Dr. Suhrawardy had a rich academic background. This year, she had taken a sabbatical to focus on her ongoing research and an upcoming book.
A Scholar Par Excellence
Aditya Pratap Deo, her fellow faculty member in the history department at Stephen’s, shared insights into her research. He stated, “Dr. Suhrawardy’s research centred around Mughal relations with Central Asia. She embarked on her teaching journey in 1991–1992, coinciding with my third year of study. We’ve been colleagues since my teaching career began in 1995. In the college’s study of mediaeval Indian history, Dr. Suhrawardy was a key figure. Adeptly balancing teaching and research, she consistently pursued her research interests, thanks to her training with Prof. Muzaffar Alam. She had a sound understanding of Arabic and Persian sources, always publishing and maintaining a high level of research.”
An Inspiring Persona
Dr. Rohit Wanchoo, the former head of the history department at the college who retired in 2021, also paid tribute to Dr. Suhrawardy. He described her as a serious scholar of mediaeval history, with a particular interest in the types of migrants from Central Asia who came to India, especially the Mughals.
Despite her struggle with arthritis, Dr. Suhrawardy was an incredibly resilient person who approached her profession with immense passion. “She was a reliable partner and friend,” Dr. Wanchoo added. Her expertise in her field was recognised beyond Indian borders as she was often invited to guest lecture at educational institutions in the United States, in addition to her role at St. Stephen’s.
