Histories of transport and communication in South Asia: A first review

Abstract

History of transport and communication has surely entered an exciting phase of research in South Asia. The authors of the select titles as well as others working on related fields have been exploring different facets of, what could broadly be labelled as, “transport and communication” history of South Asia. This review article looks at some of the recent writings in the fields of technology, transport, and railways to map the newness in South Asia's transport history. While doing this, it also suggests some possible future areas of research, which will surely build upon these insightful works. In particular, this review essay covers the themes of technology and its scale, questions related to modernity, and imperialism. It makes a plea for going beyond “railway-centrism” towards exploring the intersectional fields of infrastructural histories.