Historian RS Sharma dead

Noted historian RS Sharma died at a private nursing home in Patna late yesterday after brief illness. He was 92. The Bihar government has announced that it would accord a state funeral to him in Patna today, authorities said.

Noted historian RS Sharma died at a private nursing home here late on Saturday after brief illness. He was 92. The Bihar government has announced that it would accord a state funeral to him in Patna on Sunday, authorities said.

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Born in a village near Barauni in Bihar's Begusarai district, Sharma was a historian of international repute.

He taught ancient and early medieval history of India at Patna University, Delhi University and the University of Toronto. He wrote 115 books which have been published in 15 languages around the world.

He was the founding chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research.

After his retirement from Delhi University, Sharma returned to Patna and spent 15 years of his life.

He is survived by his wife and a son who is also a history professor at the Jamia Milia Islamia University, New Delhi.