Granville Austin, 87, the eminent biographer of India’s constitution, passed away this afternoon in Washington, DC. He was surrounded by family and friends. 

Red, as he liked to be called, was a remarkable man. His books, The Indian Constitution: A Cornerstone of A Nation, and Working A Democratic Republic: The Indian Experience, reshaped our understanding of India’s constitutional foundations and its democratic practice. Austin was awarded a Padma Shri in 2011 by the President of India. 

He was a great friend and mentor to me. Details about a memorial service will follow. Here is my tribute to him from a few years ago. http://www.india-seminar.com/2010/615/615_comment.htm