On the Spot: Priya Satia
‘Struggles matter in and of themselves.’
Why are you a historian of the British Empire?
It shaped my family’s history and so much of the world, and I felt I could contribute – and correct influential myths – from the United States.
What’s the most important lesson history has taught you?
That struggles matter in and of themselves.
Which history book has had greatest influence on you?
Eric Hobsbawm, The Age of Extremes.
What book in your field should everyone read?
Edward Said, Orientalism.
Which moment would you most like to go back to?
No need – they are all here with us. The past is contained within the present.
Which historian has had the greatest influence on you?
My adviser, Thomas Laqueur.
Which person in history would you most like to have met?
Mirza Ghalib.
How many languages do you have?
English; Hindustani and Punjabi; decent French; marginal German; forgotten Tamil; lost Latin.
What historical topic have you changed your mind on?
The Silk Letter Plot.
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