60th Anniversary Series - Sumathi Ramaswamy and Ralph W. Nicholas on History, Founding, and Reach of AIIS

This year, the American Institute of Indian Studies turns 60! To celebrate the history of AIIS, we have launched a year-long series of audio interviews exploring the history of AIIS over the last 60 years including the founding of the institute, its impact on scholarship and students, and the future of AIIS.

In this inaugural episode of our 60th anniversary series, current AIIS President and James B. Duke Professor of History at Duke University, Dr. Sumathi Ramaswamy, interviews former AIIS president and William Rainey Harper Professor Emeritus of Anthropology and of Social Sciences at the University of Chicago, Ralph W. Nicholas. During their interview, they discuss the history of the institute, its founding in a specific political atmosphere, Dr. Nicholas’ presidency during a unique time in US-India relations, and the impact of AIIS across scholarly fields.
Visit aiis60.org to explore interactive timelines, a founding history of AIIS, information on centers and programs, and to stay up to date on AIIS 60th anniversary events.
Produced by AIIS
Music “Desh” by Stephen Slawek