Who is Meenakshi Jain? Historian, author, and new Rajya Sabha nominee

Dr Jain is widely regarded as a central voice in contemporary Indian historiography.

Eminent historian and academic Dr Meenakshi Jain has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha, a move seen as a recognition of her significant contributions to Indian historiography, cultural studies, and national scholarship.

The Ministry of Home Affairs, on Saturday, announced the nomination through an official notification, made under the powers conferred by Article 80(1)(a) of the Constitution, read with clause (3). The nomination fills a vacancy created by the retirement of previously nominated members.

Prime Minister Narendra Modi took to microblogging site X, extending his greetings to the historian for her nomination to the Upper House, writing, "It’s a matter of immense joy that Dr. Meenakshi Jain Ji has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rashtrapati Ji. She has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher and historian".

"Her work in the fields of education, literature, history and political science have enriched academic discourse significantly. Best wishes for her Parliamentary tenure", he further noted.

It’s a matter of immense joy that Dr. Meenakshi Jain Ji has been nominated to the Rajya Sabha by Rashtrapati Ji. She has distinguished herself as a scholar, researcher and historian. Her work in the fields of education, literature, history and political science have enriched…

— Narendra Modi (@narendramodi) July 13, 2025

Dr Jain is widely regarded as a key voice in contemporary Indian historiography.

Her work often re-examines dominant narratives and advocates for alternative interpretations rooted in indigenous sources and traditions. Her deeply researched books have explored subjects of national importance, including Flight of Deities and Rebirth of Temples (2019), The Battle for Rama: Case of the Temple at Ayodhya (2017), Sati: Evangelicals, Baptist Missionaries and the Changing Colonial Discourse (2016), Rama and Ayodhya (2013), and Parallel Pathways: Essays on Hindu–Muslim Relations (1707–1857) (2010).

She has also co-edited the three-volume series The India They Saw: Foreign Accounts of India from the 8th to Mid-19th Century (2011), which compiles descriptions of India by travellers and chroniclers over centuries.

A former Associate Professor of History at Gargi College, University of Delhi, Dr Jain has also served as a Fellow at the Nehru Memorial Museum and Library, and was a member of the Governing Council of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR).

Currently, she is a Senior Fellow at the Indian Council of Social Science Research (ICSSR), with a research focus on cultural and religious developments in medieval and early modern India.

Not just this. Her impact extends to educational policy as well, having authored the Medieval India textbook for the NCERT in 2002, which replaced earlier editions.

In 2020, Dr Jain was awarded the Padma Shri in recognition of her contributions to literature and education.

Dr Jain’s nomination to the Rajya Sabha is part of a broader initiative by the Narendra Modi government to honour individuals who have made outstanding contributions in fields such as law, diplomacy, social service, and historical scholarship.

Her inclusion in the Upper House is expected to bring indigenous historical narratives and India's civilisational legacy to the forefront of public discourse.