Click here
Dr. Drishti Kalra
Assistant Professor | PhD, Delhi University | Historian | Archaeologist UPSC Educator | Researcher | Curriculum Developer | Max Planck Awardee
View LinkedIn
About Me
I am an Assistant Professor at Delhi University, n Archaeologist, UPSC faculty, researcher, content strategist, and Indo-blogger with a deep-rooted passion for history, education, and storytelling. I currently teach both undergraduate students and UPSC aspirants (History GS & Optional), combining academic rigour with real-world relevance.
Having Awarded my PhD in Ancient Indian History at the University of Delhi, my research explores Buddhism, cultural memory, gender, and emotional histories. Over the years, I've taught a wide range of history courses across DU colleges and contributed to curriculum and academic content for platforms such as Coursera, IGNOU, FutureLearn, and others.
As a Subject Matter Expert and SEO writer, I specialise in transforming complex historical and cultural concepts into clear, accessible content for academic, editorial, and EdTech audiences. My writing includes educational modules, feature blogs, thought pieces, and website content — published across platforms like Anthroholic, Chegg, and institutional forums.
Academic Journey
1
2015-2018
Bachelor of Arts in History from Shyama Prasad Mukherji College for Women, University of Delhi
2
2018-2020
Master of Arts in Ancient Indian History from Ramjas College, Delhi University
3
2019-2020
Associate's Degree in Sanskrit and Classical Indian Languages from St. Stephen's College, Delhi
4
2022
M.Phil in Gender and Social Work from University of Bristol
5
2025
PhD in Ancient Indian History from Delhi University
Teaching & Faculty Experience
With over 9 years of teaching experience across Delhi University colleges and UPSC coaching institutes, I have shaped the learning journey of hundreds of students preparing for competitive examinations and undergraduate studies.
Delhi University Colleges
Assistant Professor at multiple DU colleges including Shivaji College, Delhi College of Arts and Commerce, and School of Open Learning (2020-2026)
UPSC Faculty
History GS and Optional faculty at Bano IAS and Plutus IAS, guiding aspirants for India's most competitive examination
Undergraduate Teaching
Taught diverse history courses across DU colleges, from ancient to modern Indian history, with a focus on critical thinking
Research & Scholarship
International Recognition
Internationally recognised for my scholarship, I was awarded the Best Researcher Award by the Max Planck Institute for my groundbreaking work on emotional histories. This prestigious recognition highlights the global impact of my research in bridging historical scholarship with contemporary social understanding.
I have presented papers at conferences in Canada, Cambridge, JNU, and other reputed forums, and published on diverse topics including ecofeminism, religious reform, and oral traditions.
Research Focus
My PhD research explores Buddhism, cultural memory, gender, and emotional histories in Ancient Indian context. This work represents years of archival research, fieldwork, and theoretical engagement with interdisciplinary perspectives.
Whether in classrooms, archives, or digital platforms, I aim to bridge the past and the present — through engaging teaching, impactful research, and inclusive public history.
Content Creation & Digital Education
As a Subject Matter Expert and SEO writer, I specialise in transforming complex historical and cultural concepts into clear, accessible content for academic, editorial, and EdTech audiences.
Educational Content
Created educational modules and curriculum for platforms including Coursera, IGNOU, and FutureLearn, reaching thousands of learners globally
Feature Writing
Published feature blogs, thought pieces, and website content across platforms like Anthroholic, Chegg, and institutional forums
Digital Platforms
Contributed to Testbook, Edzym, and other EdTech platforms as Subject Matter Expert, creating engaging learning experiences
Professional Experience Timeline
2015-2016
Editorial Assistant at BookTrust (5 months) | Editor at Hindu Business Lines (3 months) and The Telegraph (4 months)
2016-2018
Public Speaking Faculty at PlanetSpark (2 years 1 month)
2017-2021
Assistant Project Manager at Legends of Itihasa and Purana (4 years 1 month)
2018-2019
High School Social Studies Teacher at Edzym (1 year 2 months)
2020-2021
Subject Matter Expert at Testbook (1 year 6 months)
2020-2023
Research Assistant at Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences (2 years 10 months) — Received Best Researcher Award
2021-2024
Assistant Professor at School of Open Learning, DU (3 years 1 month)
2022-2026
Assistant Professor at Delhi College of Arts and Commerce (4 years 1 month)
2023-2023
Associate Research Fellow at Delhi University — Authored 100 years of DU history
2023-2024
Research Study Assistant at JNU (1 year 5 months)
2024-2025
Research Assistant at Jio Institute (2 months) and Department of Anthropology, DU (11 months)
2024-2025
Content Manager at Weaving Thoughts (9 months)
2025-2026
UPSC Faculty at Plutus IAS (5 months) and Bano IAS (9 months)
2026-Present
Assistant Professor at Shivaji College, Delhi University
Areas of Expertise
Historical Periods
  • Ancient Indian History
  • Medieval History
  • Modern Indian History
  • World History
Specialized Research
  • Buddhism Studies
  • Cultural Memory
  • Gender History
  • Emotional Histories
Teaching Methods
  • UPSC Coaching
  • Undergraduate Instruction
  • Curriculum Development
  • EdTech Content Creation
Languages & Skills
Language Proficiency
English
Full Professional Proficiency — Academic writing, teaching, and research
Hindi
Full Professional Proficiency — Teaching and content creation for Indian audiences
Punjabi
Full Professional Proficiency — Regional language expertise
Sanskrit
Professional Working Proficiency — Classical Indian languages and literature
French
Limited Working Proficiency — Research and academic purposes
Core Competencies
  • Academic Research and Publication
  • Curriculum and Content Development
  • Classroom and Online Teaching
  • UPSC Examination Guidance
  • Historical Analysis and Interpretation
  • Public Speaking and Communication
  • Editorial and Content Writing
  • SEO and Digital Content Strategy
  • Research Methodology
  • Anthropological Perspectives
Honors, Awards & Recognition
Throughout my academic journey, I have been honored with several prestigious awards that recognise excellence in scholarship, teaching, and research.
Principal's Medal
Shyama Prasad Mukherji College, University of Delhi
Max Planck Best Researcher Award
Max Planck Institute for Multidisciplinary Sciences — International recognition for research on emotional histories
Shakuntala Gupta Memorial Award
Recognition for academic excellence in historical studies
BR Grover Memorial Award
Honour for outstanding research contributions
Narayani Devi Parashar Award
Award for excellence in academic performance
Swami Dayanand Memorial Award & Hansraj Medal
Prestigious honours recognising academic achievement and scholarly merit
Made with