He was delivering Prof. S. Noorul Hasan Memorial lecture on “Interdisciplinary, music, history and the Tamils” at the Centre of Advanced Study, Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University. Prof. Venkatasubramaniam stated that the current state of discipline of History in India is one where there is considerable debate about ‘academic’ histories. The search for alternatives to ‘academic histories’ stem from the banal question; Was there history writing in India before the colonial intervention? Search for pure uncontaminated vernacular sources point out to a tension regarding ‘the place’ of the people in projects of nationalist modernity.

 Referring a chronological account of the history of music in Tamil Nadu, Prof. TK Venkatasubramaniam said that well marked political changes can serve as markers.

Age of Sangam and Silappathikaram provide the foundation of musical thought and culture. This stage is marked by ‘sacrifice’ characterized by ritual practices. Azhwars and Nayanmars made use of music as a medium to propagate their religious dogmas in the next stage.

 He said that the large implications on globalization and its cultural landscape and Diasporic imagination on the modalities of reception, consumption and representation of classical music is yet to be studied.

Earlier, Prof. BL Bhadani, Chairman, Department of History welcomed the guest and said that Prof. Noorul Hasan contributed a lot in the up-gradation of the Department to its present status as a Centre of advanced study. Prof. CPS Chauhan, Dean, Faculty of Social Sciences presided over the function while Prof. Tariq Ahmad proposed vote of thank.