Robert Eric Frykenberg: An Intellectual Paladin of the Study of Modern Indian History Dies at 94

Robert Eric Frykenberg, 94, an emeritus professor at the University of Wisconsin, Madison, passed away peacefully on April 15, 2025.  Professor Frykenberg is a distinguished American historian who has made significant contributions to the field of South Asian history, particularly the history of Christianity in India. 

Frykenberg was born on the 8th June 1930 in Ootacamund, South India, he was brought up speaking Telugu. He spoke fluent Telugu all his life. He went to Breeks Memorial School, a British boys’ school in Ootacamund, and Kodaikanal International School, an American school in Kodaikanal, and Wheaton Academy in Illinois.

Frykenberg pursued his higher education at the University of Illinois, where he obtained his Ph.D. His doctoral studies focused on South Asian history, which would become the cornerstone of his academic career.

After stints in history and philosophy from Bethel University in 1951; an M.A. in political science and history from the University of Minnesota in 1953; four years advanced study in political science at the University of California (Berkeley), he earned his Ph.D. in the history of India from the University of London’s School of Oriental and African Studies in 1961.

Frykenberg’s most notable institutional affiliation was with the University of Wisconsin-Madison, where he served as a Professor of History for many years. At Wisconsin, he established himself as a leading authority on Indian history, colonial administration, and the development of Christianity in the subcontinent.

Throughout his career, Professor Frykenberg supervised numerous doctoral students who went on to become important scholars in their own right, creating a significant academic lineage in the field of South Asian studies.

Research Contributions

Professor Frykenberg’s research primarily centered on the history of South India during the colonial period, with particular emphasis on the complex relationship between religion, society, and politics. His work is characterized by several key themes: He conducted groundbreaking research on the Guntur District in Andhra Pradesh, analyzing how British colonial administration operated at the local level and interacted with indigenous power structures. 

Perhaps his most enduring contribution is his work on the history of Christianity in India. Unlike previous scholars who emphasized European missionary efforts, Frykenberg highlighted the agency of Indian Christians in developing indigenous forms of Christianity. His research explored the complex interactions between different religious communities in India, challenging simplistic narratives of religious identity and conversion. Frykenberg advocated for methodological innovations in studying Indian history, emphasizing the importance of understanding local contexts and indigenous perspectives rather than viewing events solely through colonial records.

Major Publications

Professor Frykenberg’s scholarly output includes several influential books and numerous articles that have shaped the field of South Asian history. His indefatigable contribution to South Asian history led him to publish his latest work, “India’s History, India’s Raj: Essays In Historical Understanding,” in his 90s, in 2023. However, he began his life’s work in the 1960s.

• “Guntur District 1788-1848: A History of Local Influence and Central Authority in South India” (1965) – His groundbreaking study of colonial administration at the district level.
• “Christians and Missionaries in India: Cross-Cultural Communication Since 1500” (2003) – An edited volume that brought together diverse perspectives on the history of Christianity in India.
• “Christianity in India: From Beginnings to the Present” (2008) – Perhaps his most comprehensive work, this book traces the development of Christianity in India from ancient times through the colonial period to the contemporary era.
• “History of Christianity in India: From the Beginning to the Twenty-First Century” (as editor) – A multi-volume project that represents one of the most ambitious attempts to document the complex history of Christianity across different regions of India.

Intellectual Approach

Professor Frykenberg’s methodological approach is characterized by several distinctive features: He insisted on understanding historical developments within their specific regional and local contexts rather than applying broad generalizations. His work consistently highlighted the active role played by Indians themselves in historical processes, challenging Eurocentric narratives that portrayed Indians as passive recipients of colonial influence. Frykenberg emphasized the complex and often ambiguous nature of religious identities and conversions, rejecting simplistic narratives of religious change. His scholarship is noted for its meticulous use of archival sources, including both colonial records and indigenous materials.

Professor Frykenberg’s influence extends beyond his own publications. As a teacher and mentor, he trained a generation of historians who continued to develop his insights into South Asian religious and political history. His methodological approaches have influenced how scholars approach the study of colonial encounters and religious change, not only in India but in other parts of the world as well.

In recognition of his contributions, Frykenberg has received various academic honors and has been invited to deliver prestigious lectures at universities around the world. His work continues to be cited extensively in studies of Indian history, colonial administration, and religious change.

Frykenberg’s legacy is perhaps best seen in how he transformed the study of Christianity in India from a narrow focus on European missions to a broader understanding of how Christianity became an Indian religion through the agency of Indian Christians themselves.