The Sir Jadunath Sarkar Fellowship for Indian History, an initiative by the Foundation for Indian Historical and Cultural Research (FIHCR), supports rigorous research in Indian history, moving beyond colonial narratives. This fellowship aims to foster new scholarship on India’s past, inviting proposals annually under five thematic areas.

Fellowship Themes

The Fellowship is awarded under five thematic categories, covering a broad spectrum of Indian history. These themes include: Ancient Indian History, Medieval Indian History, Modern Indian History, The Freedom Movement, and Post-Independence Indian History.

These themes encourage exploration and in-depth analysis of various periods and aspects of India's rich historical narrative. The aim is to promote a more nuanced and comprehensive understanding of the country's past.

Applicants are encouraged to align their research proposals with one of these thematic categories, ensuring relevance to the fellowship's objectives.

Important Dates

Key dates for the fellowship application process are as follows: Announcement of Applications: 16 May 2025, Deadline for Submission: 6 June 2025. Shortlisting of candidates will occur in June 2025, with interviews scheduled for July 2025. The fellowship announcement is on 5 Aug 2025.

Applicants should adhere strictly to these deadlines to ensure their proposals are considered. Timely submission is crucial for a successful application.

These dates provide a clear timeline for applicants to plan and prepare their submissions effectively.

Eligibility Criteria

To be eligible for the fellowship, applicants must have a minimum qualification of a Graduate degree. A Masters or Ph.D. in any field is desirable, with a background in history, archaeology, or allied disciplines being beneficial but not mandatory.

Original writing samples will be evaluated during the shortlisting process. In exceptional cases, individuals with a proven track record in research and writing may be considered, even without formal academic degrees.

• Applicants must hold a Graduate degree.

• A Masters or Ph.D. is desirable.

• Background in history, archaeology, or allied disciplines is beneficial.

Fellowship Objectives and Benefits

The fellowship aims to encourage serious research and writing in Indian history, particularly in areas that have contemporary relevance and have often been overlooked or misrepresented. The Foundation provides not only monetary support but also guidance and mentorship to the Fellows.

The fellowship follows a structured timeline divided into five phases to ensure consistent progress, including induction, scoping the project, mid-year review, final draft submission, and project closure. Fellows must submit monthly progress reports and fund utilization statements throughout the fellowship period.

Failure to adhere to important timelines and submission guidelines can result in a termination of the Fellowship, necessitating a reimbursement of the funds allocated till then.

Milestones and Reporting Requirements

Fellows are expected to adhere to a structured timeline with specific milestones. This includes the completion of a literature review, refining research questions, and chapter-wise manuscript planning by Month 3.

A mid-year review involves presenting research progress in a seminar, receiving academic feedback, and updating the roadmap for publication. By Month 11, a full manuscript draft must be submitted for editorial and peer feedback.

Throughout the 12-month fellowship period, fellows must submit monthly progress reports and fund utilization statements. The final manuscript and documents must be submitted at project closure, along with a presentation at the Annual Fellowship Conference.