Thinking of David brings back fond memories of Cambridge. I will always remember our weekly seminars at CSAS, which David would diligently attend. Even when at times he seemed to be paying less attention, as soon as the presentation ended, he would always have a razor-sharp question to ask, which would then trigger a whole new set of questions, for both presenters and attendees. He did this without an ounce of condescension, with a visible appetite for intellectual discussion. After the seminar would end, he would always join the rest of the group to continue the conversation over a glass of wine. He was the most approachable man, happy to exchange ideas with students as well as established scholars . As a student, I truly admired David’s bonhomie, his generosity in exchanging ideas, and his great sense of humour. He was certainly a towering scholar, but it was easy to imagine him being a great dad and a fantastic grandfather too. At times when one felt unsure about pursuing an academic career, it was inspiring and reassuring to see that someone like him, who had achieved so much in his field, had retained an obvious love for life in all its dimensions. David will continue to inspire many of us, in research and in life.

David was a fantastic colleague and friend who was always so accessible even during outside-of-work hours! David seemed to have so many interests outside of his specialist field (especially sports!) that you felt that you could chat away with him about anything. He was larger than life and I look back fondly to many a long lunch talking South Asian politics at the Chiang Mai restaurant in Oxford during those times. Jeet Mistry, friend and former colleague at Oxford Analytica

I could not have hoped for a kinder and more supportive colleague. I will miss David greatly.

David was my PhD advisor at Cambridge and, after giving me a characteristically incisive but generous grilling in my viva, became a colleague. We taught together for several years on the MPhil in Modern South Asian Studies, often delivering classes together to groups of students who were sat in awe of David’s great eminence, capacious knowledge, and razor-sharp wit. In spite of his formidable academic reputation, he was one of the most kind-hearted, unpretentious, and affable people you could hope to meet. I feel very fortunate to have been one of a great number of people whose lives were made brighter by his erudition, mentorship, collegiality, and friendship.

For those waiting to stream the funeral, the password is 063550. Rest in Peace, David. You were the very best personal adviser I could have asked for during my Masters last year.

Somehow it is hard to believe that David is gone. He was such a reassuring presence that one took it for granted that he would always be there. I owe him so much that it is hard to know where to begin. His intellectual qualities were, of course, formidable. It was a treat to watch him exercising his formidable critical skills in seminars and conferences. On such occasions, his were invariably the most incisive interventions. But for me, it was David's generosity, egalitarian outlook, and inimitable humour that set him apart. I shall miss him greatly. Prashant

Unable to log in to be among the throng celebrating and reflecting on David's life, I just want to add what a great co-supervisor he was - he cared - he filleted and patched up arguments - he always had a whimsical way of winding things up. A giant of a scholar too, he will be very greatly missed.

I was deeply saddened to hear of David's passing. David was my PhD adviser when I was a doctoral student and we have also taught together for the Centre of South Asian Studies in Cambridge for the last few years. He was unfailingly kind, supportive and generous with his time, both to me and to the students we taught together. In fact, teaching with David was simply a pleasure, as all I needed to do was listen to his insights, erudition and jokes, while the students hung from his every word. I will greatly miss his kind-heartedness and generosity and remain grateful for his advice and support.

David was a gentleman with a kind soul and a brilliant mind. He was the internal examiner for my Ph.D. thesis in Cambridge. Before I met him, I was in awe of him. I envisioned him almost as a celebrity - a renowned academic who had made tremendous contribution to South Asian studies who, with a handful of few, shifted the colonial narrative and established a more complex understanding of the region. His association with Warwick, my alma mater, only reinforced my veneration. When I finally got to meet him and know him, I discovered the most down to earth, approachable, kindest and brilliant human being. He was so generous with his time and advice, and unfettering words of encouragement. Now I remember him as a gentle soul, in addition to his intellectual prowess. You can't separate one from the other; David was a giant in his own right. A giant intellectual, and a giant in being human. The world will miss him dearly.

I will always remember David Washbrook so fondly: you could spot his great kindliness, warmth and decency from a mile away. Up closer, you saw his deft, immediate and deeply analytical grasp on all things South Asian history, as well as a brilliant ability to convey big, complex ideas in direct, simple, and yet constructive ways. Prof. Washbrook was an examiner for my PhD dissertation, and I see now that the shape that the book eventually took owed much more to his suggestions, advice and guidance than what I realized at the time. It was this ability: to be non- confrontational, yet hugely impactful at the same time, that made him such a respected and admired figure. He will be deeply, and affectionately, missed!

David was a wonderful PhD examiner and mentor. Incisive yet gentle. Feel so honoured to have known him, a brilliant historian, full of humour, curious, warm, an immense source of kindness and support. Thank you. We will miss you terribly. Uttara

I was so very sorry to hear of David's death. He is a great loss to Trinity and to the History Faculty. In both settings, his was always such a warm and genial presence, and an inspiring example in every way to students and younger colleagues. I will miss him.

I will never forget supervisions with David, enthusiastically discussing South India and the archives. They were always intellectually invigorating, fun, and so very informative. David was truly an exceptional academic and I feel honoured to have spent time with his company. My heart goes out to his family.

I will miss, am already missing, this warm-hearted, noble friend, generous, joyful, curious, adventurous, full of life. He gave all of us so much. His essays did much to form my sense of what really fine history can offer. The world is poor without him.

With very best wishes to David's family at such a sad time. He was a wonderful man. Two things stand out for me about David. First that he was never swallowed by the academic machine, but had a rare sense of balance which meant university commitments were balanced by life outside. He worked hard, helped his colleagues out (sometimes too much, perhaps; i remember a term when he seemed to be teaching 40 hours a week solid!). He always had loves and interests that extended beyond our often all-consuming academic world - racing for example, but above all his family. Second, David wonderfully combined a sharp, critical intellect, which didn't suffer fools gladly and was willing to fight his corner - with intellectual breadth, kindness and, again, humanity. David was the least domineering or egotistical intellectual i can think of. He was liked and respected by the people he fervently disagreed with. His students were let to go their own way, supported at the important moments according to their needs. But we were never forced to say the things David might have wanted us to say. To me the best tribute to David as teacher and supervisor is that there is no "David Washbrook" school, but a group of his students like me who are extremely grateful we worked with him. I can't of anyone else in our profession I'd want to be like more. And can't believe he isn't around any more for those sharp, smart, light-hearted conversations. Jon Wilson (DPhil student of David's from 1996-2000, and friend)

I would just like to thank all those friends, colleagues and family members who have donated so generously to David's memorial fund. We have been overwhelmed by the sheer number of kind messages and tributes that we have received over the past few days and we will endeavour to reply to them individually at a later date. Thanking you again, With best wishes Angela and family

Thank you for being the most amazing grandad anyone could ever wish for! Love from Leah xx