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Aligarh: On August 12, 2026, historian Irfan Habib turned 95. As a distinguished figure in Indian historiography, Habib has written about and debated numerous significant questions concerning history, society, and politics throughout his extensive academic career.

His views continue to hold significant relevance today, especially in light of the ongoing efforts to reinterpret and rewrite history in India.

Here, we present a combined account of two meetings and conversations held with him – the first in August 2025 and the subsequent one in July 2026 – at his residence in Aligarh.

Each meeting offered a glimpse into the nostalgic, traditional ambiance of his home. Nestled among lush greenery, the house stands like a memory of a bygone era amidst Aligarh’s swiftly changing urban landscape.

Standing amidst the towering modern structures, this historic house retains the essence of a different era within its windows, doors, switchboards, and ceiling fans. While the world surrounding Habib’s home has transformed – with high-rise buildings replacing older houses – the historian’s abode appears content to remain anchored in its own time.

Also read: Noted Marxist Historian Sumit Sarkar Passes Away

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