What does the Subaltern Studies project contend?

1. A. Traditional historiography celebrated the role of the subalterns.
2. B. Traditional history celebrates select icons of the freedom movement.
3. C. Traditional historiography highlights the dominant strands of the freedom struggle.
4. D. Subaltern Studies historiography highlights the dominant strands of the freedom struggle.

1. AA and B only
2. BB and C only
3. CA and C only
4. DB and D only

Pick an option to check yourself, or open the answer below.

Show answer & explanation

Correct answer: D. B and D only

Explanation

Guha's 'On Some Aspects of the Historiography of Colonial India' (1982) charges both colonial and nationalist history with elitism: it celebrates leaders and the dominant strands, and ignores 'the politics of the people'.

Note: Key disputed: as printed, statements B and C (option 2) describe the Subaltern Studies critique; D contradicts it. The source key gives option 4.