In this episode, Shruti and Chinmay Tumbe discuss the history of pandemics in India and throughout the world, including cholera, influenza, plague and now COVID-19. They also discuss how issues of caste, migration and scientific progress have influenced these pandemics. Tumbe is an assistant professor of economics at the Indian Institute of Management Ahmedabad. His research interests include urban and labor economics, business and economic history, and migration studies. His most recent book is "The Age of Pandemics (1817-1920): How They Shaped India and the World." He is also the author of "India Moving: A History of Migration."

Full transcript of this episode

Follow us on Twitter

Follow Shruti on Twitter

Follow Chinmay on Twitter

Click here for the latest Ideas of India episodes sent straight to your inbox!