The RAS began its 2014-2015 Lecture Series last Thursday, 9th October with Criminalization of Politics in India, an interesting lecture by Professor (Emeritus) Paul Brass of the University of Washington. Having spent more than 50 years studying the politics of India, Professor Brass was able to provide a wide-ranging overview of the many changes in the Indian political landscape, particularly in the Uttar Pradesh region, and regale his listeners with a number of personal anecdotes as illustrations.

Professor Paul Brass lecturing at RAS

The lecture was followed by a drinks reception. The Society was particularly pleased to welcome a visit from Susie Gordon, Programme Director of the Shanghai Branch of the Royal Asiatic Society.

Enjoying after-lecture drinks and conversation

Our next main lecture will be on Thursday, November 13th when Professor Paul Bailey of the University of Durham will lecture on Chinese Workers in World War One France: An Overlooked Episode in the History of Chinese Foreign Policy and Chinese Labour. However, before that date we would like to invite you to join us for the first in the Student Lecture Series on Tuesday, October 21st at 6.30pm when Fan Yang (SOAS) will lecture on Fabsub groups in China: When independent translation meets the market and Sami Winton (Ind. researcher) will lecture on Ritual and survival amongst the Malay community in Cape Town. Please do join us for what looks set to be an interesting and informative evening.