Call for Papers:

2nd
International Society for Regional History (ISRH)
Conference
at the
Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, India
4-6 November 2024
on

People, Places, Landscape and Memory

Regional histories require a re-examining of the notion of history itself. It is the sum of innumerable
small actions and reactions by ordinary people over centuries as they encountered other different
societies. Broadly viewed, landscapes and places can be considered as areas of human connectivity.
Landscapes encompass wild, cultivated, urban, feral, and fallow spaces and human and nonhuman
entities who inhabit and shape them. Memory refers to the interpretation of experience as it exists in the
present, bridging temporally discrete moments through the intentional or unintentional act of
remembering. Memory studies, from the example anthropology’s view, include explorations of
individual forms of remembrance, and the collective, heterogeneous ways of marking, interpreting, and
erasing the past. Taken together, place, landscape, and memory (in written and formally recorded form)
co-constitute one another: landscapes store, depict, and evoke memories while memories in places
recall, revise, and shape landscapes. There are, and have always been, many kinds of evolutive regions
as exposed in many historiographies and in different vocabularies of what a region may be: Not only
politically or administratively formed, but also regions formed on basis of landscape, culture, or some
functional or economic criteria.

Sub Theme-I: Perceptions of Time, Cultural Boundaries, and “Region” in Texts

Time exhibits a unique attribute in history —its progression spawns varied conceptions and perceptions,
differing across cultures. Civilizations developed cyclical or linear views, shaping distinctive notions
of “good” and “bad” times. The intricate history arises as these varied perceptions rival, influence, and
borrow from each other. Similarly, regions, beyond natural entities, are constructed phenomena shaped
by time and human cultural intervention. Time, as the incubatory medium, and culture, as the causative
agent, profoundly influence the socio-cultural construction of regions. Regions, reflecting shifts in
thought and action, also signify distinctions in time and culture perceptions. Understanding this
symbiotic relationship across history is a worthwhile intellectual endeavour.

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Sub Theme-II: Human and Environmental Interaction

The interaction between humans and the environment within the broader framework of a variety of
regions is a compelling and multidimensional area of longstanding historical exploration. The
relationship between human societies and their surrounding landscapes is a centuries-old phenomenon.
Today, environmental concerns are at the forefront, and understanding how human activities have
shaped, have been shaped, have impacted, and adapted to their environments, is paramount. This sub-
theme seeks to uncover the intricate and multifaceted dimensions of human-environment interaction in
regional history. Interactions are not limited to physical landscape alterations but encompass cultural
and social (even social virtual) dimensions in space contexts that influence and are influenced by
human-environment relationships, which includes exploring how people's beliefs, traditions, and
practices have evolved in response to their environment, how these interactions have shaped the region's
identity, and how they have influenced present-day practices.

Sub Theme-III: Societal Migration, Evolution, Colonial boundaries, Aggression, and

Industrialization

Migrations across cultures have driven societal evolution, with changes in dynamics over time. These
migrations often accompanied aggression, surpassing conquests in historical impact. For example: For
about three centuries, the Westphalian notion of well-demarcated boundaries for specifically colonized
regions and rigidly applied territoriality has shaped human regions and human consciousness.
Industrialization, a distinctly modern force, has catalysed and still catalyses human migration and
societal transformation. Factories birth modern working classes, and global capitalist imperialism alters
landscapes. Instances of physical and epistemological violence mark colonial conquests, agrarian
uprisings, wars of decolonization, and conflicts between migrant and host societies. The interplay of
industrialization, migration, and societal change unfolds across centuries, leaving a complex historical
canvas in politically established regions and states. Further understanding and comparing these trends
in micro spatial contexts or/and translocally or transnationally will be welcomed.

Sub Theme-IV: Landscape, Lifeways (“Home”), and Cultural Associations

This theme explores the intricate connections among landscape, living spaces (the real and “imaginary”
home), and place-cultural associations, defining their local to global impact on well-being, identity, and
sustainable development. Scholars are encouraged to investigate diverse regions, highlighting
successful initiatives leveraging landscapes and culture for community well-being and heritage
preservation. Landscape and place encompassing natural and built elements that serve as a canvas
reflecting cultures. The interplay between landscape, living environments, and cultural practices shapes
societies, impacting physical and mental health (well-being), inclusive of a recognised geographical
analysis, and has been a valued part of regional history since mid-20th century scholarship. Recognizing
and valuing these elements will be welcomed in this sub-theme.

Sub Theme-V: Region as Memory and a Place for Preserving Legacies in Tourism
Recreation

The concept of “region” unfolds as a dynamic reservoir of memory and a rich context for possibilities
in tourism recreation. Defined by natural geographical, administrative, or political or cultural
boundaries, regions preserve historical narratives and cultural traditions, fostering identity. They serve
as archives revisiting and reimagining memories, influencing individual and collective identities. This
delicate interplay between microspatial to translocal and transregional memory preservation and
evolution particularly leisure and tourism, is pivotal. Regions shape identities, evoke nostalgia, and

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offer new experiences. Examining these trends in regional history becomes a lens to also explore
refreshed or adapted methodologies and insights.

Sub Theme-VI: Trends in Regional History

Regional history of the 21st century emphasises the importance of knowledge as context to accentuate
its roots and associations with recent developments. It also urges in-depth exploration of micro-spatial
histories as a necessity to identify some intricate connections among people, places, and memories. An
interdisciplinary approach to regional history is also encouraged, with debates on how geography,
sociology, anthropology, and environmental studies, amongst others, challenge and/or enhance the
historian’s understanding of the local and the regional. Possibilities for comparative regional studies in
memory, landscape and place will be welcomed. Integration of digital technology, GIS, and other tools
into regional history studies is a compelling area for investigation. Globally, regional history trends
continue to underscore the interplay between micro spatial contexts and their broader impact, driven by
forces like the trans-local, transnational and globalization.

Apart from the possibility of presenting individual/co-authored papers, the International Society for
Regional History (ISRH) also welcome submissions for proposals of panels and round tables for its
international conference scheduled at Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi, between 4 and 6
November 2024. The suggested sub-themes from which must be selected (as outlined earlier), are also
welcomed in this submission format. Kindly indicate your sub-theme choice when submitting your
abstract (see the guidelines below).

Conference Theme: People, Places, Landscape and Memory

History and any scholars of other disciplines who feel comfortable in this space are more than
welcome to submit abstracts!

Sub-themes:

Perceptions of Time, Cultural Boundaries, and “Region” in Texts

Human and Environment Interaction.
Societal Migration, Evolution, Colonial boundaries, Aggression, and Industrialization
Landscape, Lifeways (“Home”), and Cultural Associations
Region as Memory and a Place for Preserving Legacies in Tourism Recreation
Trends in Regional History
Other Related Topics on Memory, Place, Landscape in a Regional History Context

The ISRH meeting in New Delhi aims to be as inclusive as possible. We would also welcome
proposals touching on the periphery of the main theme. However, they should highlight the
richness of regional history and its global influence.

Deadline for abstract submissions (300-word count max in Word, plus a bionote of 125
words max of each author and/or discussant): 6 May 2024. CLICK HERE for abstract
submissions.
The ISRH Steering Committee will formally respond to each submission before/by 7 June
2024.

Conference registration fee: $65 (To be paid before 30 September 2024)

CLICK HERE for conference registration.

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Please note: The activation of conference and membership payments will only be opened
after the abstract deadline – 6 May 2024.
If you encounter any technical problems (forms completion or website connection), kindly
contact Mrs Yolandi Strydom at openbookdesign9@gmail.com
Conference participants must be/become members of the ISRH.
CLICK HERE to register as a member of the Society.

Membership fees
• Annual individual fees: $10
• Annual institutional fees - unlimited number of members: $20

CLICK HERE for society subscription.

Conference host
Professor Umesh Ashok Kadam,
Organising Convenor / Coordinator,
2nd ISRH International Conference 2024,
New Delhi, India

About the conference venue

The city of New Delhi is not merely the capital of the present-day Republic of India but has long been
the civilized society axis of the entire Indian subcontinent. As such, the metropolis of New Delhi
encapsulates centuries of history and cultural heritage, visible in its numerous monuments and alive
within its people.
The international conference shall be hosted at the Centre for Historical Studies, School of Social
Sciences, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. Founded in 1970, the centre has been one of the
premier institutions for research on South Asian history and has pioneered research in several areas of
the region’s history encompassing all epochs, be it ancient, medieval, or modern history. A nerve centre
of bustling academic activity, it is an institution of primary importance in so far as historical research
on South Asia within the Asian landmass, and even the world, is concerned.
Locate the conference venue at: https://www.jnu.ac.in/locate-us
Nearest Airport: Indira Gandhi International Airport (IGI), New Delhi
Nearest Metro: Vasant Vihar Metro Station.
Nearest Railway Station: New Delhi Railway Station (NDLS), New Delhi.
Cab Services: Uber, Ola, Rapido and Blu Smart.

Conference accommodation (organizers’ recommendations):

The organisers will unfortunately not be responsible for attendees’ accommodation arrangements.
Kindly ensure that you book your accommodation after you have received an abstract approval letter.
A list of accommodations is provided for your convenience

Hotels
The Grand, New Delhi
Distance from the Jawaharlal Nehru University – 5 km.
Address - Nelson Mandela Marg, Pocket 4, Vasant Kunj II, Vasant Kunj, New Delhi,

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Delhi 110070. Website - https://www.thegrandnewdelhi.com/
Contact - 011 4766 1200

Jaypee Vasant Continental Hotel

Distance from the Jawaharlal Nehru University – 2.5 km
Address – Jaypee Vasant Continental, Basant Lok Vasant Vihar, New Delhi – 110057.
Website - https://www.jaypeehotels.com/hotel/jaypee-vasant-continental-new-delhi
Contact – 011- 2614 8800.

Hyatt Regency
Distance from the Jawaharlal Nehru University – 6 km.
Address - Ring Rd, Bhikaji Cama Place, Rama Krishna Puram, New Delhi, Delhi 110066.
Website – https://www.hyatt.com/hyatt-regency/delrd-hyatt-regency-delhi
Contact – 011 – 2679 1234

Svelte Hotel
Distance from Jawaharlal Nehru University – 7 km
Address – A-3, District Centre, Select City Walk, Saket, New Delhi – 110017.
Website – https://www.svelte.in/
Contact - Phone Number +91 11 40512000
Duty Manager +91 88007 82138
Toll-Free - 1800 112 002.

Bus/ Delhi Sightseeing –

Delhi Tourism Transport - http://purpletravels.in/
Contact Details – 9958966566 customercare@hohodelhi.com
Delhi Tourism - https://dtc.delhi.gov.in/dtc/sight-seeing-tours
Contact - 011 – 23752772.

Private Tours – Swan Tours

Address - Flat No. 6, Shankar Market, 2nd Floor, Above Shop No.1 Shankar Market, Outer Circle,
opposite M Block, Connaught Place, Delhi, 110001, India.
Website - https://www.swantour.com/ Contact - +91 11 23415601
Emergency Numbers: + 91 - 9810100293, 9910049132, 7042150002, 7042160002, 9910048582

Note: Air travel, taxi, cab, hotel accommodation, tours and dinners are the attendees’
responsibilities.

General enquiries can be sent via the ISRH website: https://isrh.org/contact/

ISRH Steering Committee:

Prof Toyin Falola (University of Texas at Austin, USA) | Prof Umesh Ashok Kadam (Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi,
India) | Prof Kenneth Murray Knuttila (Professor Emeritus, Brock University, Canada) | Prof Sulevi Riukulehto (Dep-
Chairperson: University of Helsinki, Finland) | Prof Elize S van Eeden (Chairperson: North-West University, South Africa) |
Prof Marijn Molema (University of Groningen, Netherlands) | Mr Fumihiko Koyata (Hirosaki University, Japan) | Mr Emile
Coetzee (North-West University, South Africa).