ALIGARH, October 9: The Centre of Advanced Study, Department of History, Aligarh Muslim University (AMU), organised a plenary lecture on “Aligarh: The City Outlasted Empires” by Mr Atif Syed of Austin, Texas, USA, on October 8. The lecture was convened by Prof. M.K. Pundhir.
Mr Syed discussed the methodology adopted in writing the book and explained how his scientific background had informed his approach to historical research. He also highlighted the use of QR codes linked to Google Maps, enabling readers to locate lesser-known historical sites across the city.
Prof. Emeritus Irfan Habib, the Guest of Honour, emphasised the importance of district gazetteers as valuable sources of historical and regional information. He expressed hope that the government would revive the compilation and revision of these gazetteers.
Earlier, welcoming the speaker, Prof. Hassan Imam, Chairman, Department of History, introduced Mr Syed and his recent book, which traces Aligarh’s history from its earlier identity as Koil and examines the city’s urban evolution through successive political changes.
Dr Gulrukh Khan proposed the vote of thanks. The lecture was attended by faculty members, research scholars and students.