Dr Kenneth X. Robbins’ insightful lecture on “The African Elites in South Asia” was held at Bonhams in London on October 24. 

Dr Robbins’ talk, ranging from history in South Asia to post-Islamic Arabia, addressed several misconceptions about Africans in mainstream media. 

According to his lecture, East Africans greatly distinguished themselves in India. They wrote a story unsynchronised with the rest of the world, reaching and attaining the pinnacle of military and political authority in a different continent. 

Read: Cosmos Foundation welcomes Dr. Kenneth X. Robbins as Advisory Board member

Dr Robbins’ passion for this area of study was greatly inspiring, revealing “more than meets the eye”. His rich collections of paintings, coins and stamps that aided his research were also highlighted. 

Bonhams UK, which arranged the lecture, is a privately owned international auction house. Founded in 1793, it is one of the world's largest and most renowned auctioneers of fine art and antiques.

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Dr Kenneth X. Robbins is a globally renowned researcher, archivist, and curator. A psychiatrist by profession, Dr Robbins started collecting Rajput, Deccani, Mughal, and other South Asian artifacts from dealers and auction houses in the 1960s and has used his collections to publish fourteen books on South Asian history and culture. His special interests range from Maharajas, Nawabs, and Deccani Sultans to minority groups like Afro-South Asians. 

Read more: ‘Historical and unexplored ties between Afro-South Asian communities need cultural attention’

Earlier this year, Dr Robbins joined Cosmos Foundation as an Advisory Board member.