Percolation of Hindu-Muslim politics in Historical accounts and the past. Is History only about Mughals and other invaders?

 

It has become a moot question in our politics and society that how do you identify yourself as an Indian, whether through the constitution or your religion? As if this was not enough of a digression from important questions that we want to take this debate to even our past an historical account.

There is no denying the fact that despite being living side by side for centuries and to put it mildly, Muslims and Hindu don't trust each other. I am consciously refraining from using harsh words like hate and animosity. Though this hate has been aptly utilised for centuries by different regimes to keep a stranglehold on their power seats, whether in a form by invaders calling out to eliminate ‘Kaafirs’ (it was the war cry of Babur), or shielding of the religious superstitions and practices in the name of secularism (e.g. Shah Bano case), or equating nationalism to Hinduism (a powerful tool used by the current government). My concern here is that instead of focusing on issues that really concern us whether of education, health, infra etc. we are so mired down in identity politics that even a hope of resurgence to sensible issues seems far-fetched. 

Points shared by Vikram Sampath in India Today Conclave

In this era of innocent/mindless WhatsApp info-transmissions which I am thankful to, as otherwise I would not have engaged with this video about "white washing" of the history of India by Marxist historians, I put up my analysis for your consideration in refusal to believe the following points as mentioned by the celebrated speaker Mr. Vikram Sampath in that video.

Mr. Vikram Sampath at India Conclave 2021

1. It was claimed by him that the presentation of Indian history is made in a very derogatory and demeaning sense. It doesn't talk respectfully about its ethos, nature and events.
2. The second claim is that it's a third party's version of Indian history where it is viewed completely from the eyes of invaders.
3. It doesn't give proper emphasis to local or regional kingdoms that persisted alongside major kingdoms of the Indian subcontinent, such as Ahoms, Nagas, Vijayanagar kingdom etc. Also it is not buoyant enough about the resistance movements like the one put up by the Maharana Pratap against Akbar. The history of India is Delhi centric.
4. There is also a complaint about lack of space given to nationalist historians during the Congress regime of 70 years, also the nascent stage of nation building. This led to the parochialisation of the academic journey of Indian history.
5. Another claim made by the esteemed guest was that the whole of the violent history of Islamic invasion was brushed under the carpet in our historical discourse and it is this disenchantment with the Concealing of facts that is expressed in the form of Ayodhya dispute or changing of names.

 

Purpose of Historical Analysis

Now my rebuttal point by point as discussed below is based on my study of school textbooks that were written primarily by Marxist historians. It is also based on my understanding of the social and political culture of our country which I have been studying since a long time, being an ardent student of it. 

Firstly after reading those history books, I could not have been more proud of our past and culture. It is true that these books don't deal with the glorification of the mythological aspects of our culture and rather find the economic, social circumstances which led to the evolution of the various religions, their rituals and practices through detailed scrutiny of our religious text and symbols such as Vedas, Mahabharata, Ramayana etc. Now how many of us even know the sequence or timeline of Vedas leave aside their teachings and findings. I don't see any emphasis on Upanishads or Vedantas regarded as the backbone of hinduism or hindu philosophy in TV debates rather just hollow jingoism about the threats to our culture from outsiders. I can safely say that Marxist Historians are only all praise about the Upanishads and any person in order to have a clear view about Hinduism should go through them.

Upanishads are the Historical Treasure of our Country

It would have served us no good if these books would have hidden the causes, effects and evolution of harsh realities of our society such as Casteism, untouchability, sati pratha etc. I could quote an example of a family from ancient time where the mother, father and son were all of different professions living together thus basing the Varna system on the foundation of talent and knowledge not on the basis of birth which it later degenerated into.

Indian Social Strata

The other contention is that history of India is the history of invaders. From the early ancient times of Aryans to the Muslim invaders and later Britishers. Now history even in its crudest form is not any story or tale, it is a rigorous and detailed exercise of analysing the administrative and political system, cultural practices, architecture, infrastructure, and major events such as wars, famines etc. and their effects.

 

The Mughals and Britishers for a long time controlled large tract of Indian subcontinent and hence it is pertinent that we study their way of administration and cultural impact they had on our society. Now even today if you go to any government office the terms you will encounter have Mughal imprints such as taluq, pargana, tameel etc. Who doesn't relish the flavours of biryani, kebabs, korma and Naan. Even the quintessential and most innocent Indian snack samosa has its roots in Persia. The tallest of Indian structure and buildings like Taj Mahal, Lala Quila, Indian Parliament, President House etc. can't be just ignored.

 

The Majestic Taj Mahal

Even a cursory study of Indian history textbook will take you the beautiful journey of different architectural styles of Indian Temples and contribution of southern king to the Temple development of India. So next time if somebody claims of lopsided historical account she must be advised to first go through them.

 

A Delhi centric Historical portrayal is definitely true and lack of details of smaller and remote rulers and their administrative system is largely missing such as Ahoms or Nagas. But leave aside the past, tell me how much consideration is given to these remote and distant places of North East or to that extent even southern parts of India in national news even in current times. Isn't our polity even today Delhi centric?

 

Ahoms of North East

How much we know about the cultural diversity of our country even in this era of information technology where information travels at the speed of light. By saying that I though do not imply that we should forget the contribution of small and regional kingdoms, personalities and practices to our culture. It would be practical and wise if these aspects are catered to by state and local governments with due support from national intelligentsia.

 Another issue raised was that of Missing local and regional resistances like that of Maharana Pratap or that of Sikh gurus against the invaders or foreigners. I totally disagree with it as these struggles are unequivocally mentioned with due respect to the valor of small forces against the large and better organised adversaries. The only aspect of these struggles that discomforts the right wingers is that these are not painted as religious or communal struggles. It be would be interesting to know that while Akbar's army was led by Raja Man Singh into the Haldighati Battle, they were opposed by the forces of Hakim Shah Sur an Afghan and Bhil fighters neither of them Hindus.

 

Hakim Khan Suri: General in Maharana's Forces

The claim that the current religious discord and antagonism in our religious and social milieu is based upon distorted history is difficult to digest. I doubt that leaving apart a handful of population, majority of it has any access to authentic sources of history or textbooks to have any mal effect on them. It is the general mistrust and animosity based on experiences of various conflicts and riots which is enough to keep the two communities at loggerheads. The role of politicians of all fervors and their vested interests is enough to sustain the fire for the acrimonious relationship between the communities. The Hindu- Sikh faceoff generated by the politician after the Lakheempur kheeri incident is just a small example how adept these people are to provide religious shade to any incident.

 

Indus Valley Civiliation: A highly Planned city unparalleled even to current times.

Next time if somebody complaints you about lack of spotlight on Hindu Architecture or Religious practices then you should discuss with her our greatest historical heritage Indus Valley Civilisation and the quality of life its people enjoyed in form of roads, sanitation, and security. But it might not become a passionate debate as we have not been able to determine the religious nature of the people of Indus Valley Civilisation.

 

Family Man Season2: Reviewed Differently.

For every north Indian Chennai was never a dream destination. An alien land, someplace you were never welcomed. Somethings changed after watching Family man 2, Chennai is next on my itinerary. Family Man second season is trend breaking in other ways too, it finally broke the jinx of second seasons in Indian OTT space which faltered in much hyped and most awaited Sacred Games and Mirzapur.

Protagonist!

The first episode starts with a 'One shot' take, quite uncommon in Indian cinema, as the camera moves along with the character of Bhaskaran in the opening scene for quite some time. The plot for whole season is basically defined here which I feel is the turning point for ingenuity of season 2 of Family Man, totally divorced of previous season, giving proper space for the upcoming characters. As you have experienced with previous OTT series its quite difficult to merge new characters with previous plot.

Prabhakaran, The leader of LITTE movement Sri Lanka.

Acting of all the characters is appropriately balanced. Kudos to the Srikant Tiwari who juggled between a common man and a secret service agent, showing reality of a captured common man. Manoi Bajpayee couldn't be more praised for portraying a character such diverse. His wife Suchi should be credited for portraying herself as one of the most hated characters of OTT (Memes on the way).

!

I believe it is rare in Hindi film industry that characters far away from the Hindi mainland speak a  different language continuously, otherwise they have to do with a broken or accented hindi (We have seen Arabs speaking fluent Hindi in our movies). This aspect was totally catered to in this season, the Tamil characters spoke natural Tamil and we were happy with the subtitles which we usually are with any Hollywood produce. The addition of Tamil actors in their original sense should be treated as a leap of faith in the current monolithic casting scenario, which will pave way for a more diverse film industry.

The action in the series was most meticulously planned and directed. Whether guns or fistfight everything seems real. A major credit should be given to Raji (Samantha), carrying a grim look and willing to sacrifice everything for her mission. Her live or die by the mission attitude is reflected in the fighting scenes.

Another amazing aspect is the use of southern India's landscape in the web series whether natural or social. You will be in awe with the architecture especially Davidian temples. The use of Evergreen forest is not just refreshing but add to the mysteries of the plot.

Meenakshi Temple.

The sanjeevni character of the show was no doubt Chellam Sir, which I believe was nonetheless as omnipresent as are some beings in all of our lives whom we recall for any kind of help when we are in need.

The end fight scene is something which I will rate amongst the best ever created in Indian Film Industry. The single shot take, the natural progression of things, the exasperation, the exhaustion, the commitment of actors, all happened at once. It is difficult to imagine that such direction would happen twice in Hindi film industry. At the end I could not credit the series enough for taking me to an India which I had never visited but was dipped in its spirit completely while watching the show.

Nagaland next.

 

Deaths in April.

 Deaths in April,

Monsoon in May,

Let's find some solace in being astray.

Drifting in the middle of some unknown stream,
Beaten, Driven, guided by directionless dreams.
Let the heart control our minds,
Let it beat to the tunes of something unrefined.
The days are numbered but not the dreams,
Let it be the reason for one last try if not to go for umpteenth.

Central Vista Project: Tughlaqabaad of this Century

Construction of Central Vista in Full Swing despite Covid Scare

This is a story of a ruler who was so drunk with power that he couldn't think beyond himself. For this megalomaniac king people and country or anything whatsoever was secondary to his grandeur and desire to leave a mark in the history. In this delusion of superiority he started constructing a city after his name, "Tughlaqabaad". He was so passionate about his dream of creating a new city that he diverted all the resources of Delhi whether masons, labors or building material to the site of Tughlaqabaad.

Just at that time was a Sufi saint Nizamuddin Auliya, residing in Delhi and having a meagre wish to make a Bowli (well) so that people can have drinking water in the area. He couldn't find a single man to materialize his small dream. The dream was small but clashed with the will of the King and the collision was epic. The Saint cursed this new city to be deserted and the rest is history. Tughlakabaad fort was never completed and its remains can still be seen in a dilapidated conditions  on the outskirts of Delhi. It is a proof to what happens when you become so big that everything else looks so small to you, when your dream overpowers the need of common man, and when everyone and everything is just a mere means to fulfill your own objectives. 

I congratulate you on your fort and palaces but with a warning that revolutions are often brewed just outside the gates of these big palaces.

Central Vista Design.

Majority Governments: A stumbling block in diverse Indian democracy.

The result of West Bengal Vidhan Sabha elections where BJP suffered a heavy defeat is touted as the vindication for the utter failure of the Central Government or to be precise Modi government in handling the second wave of Covid pandemic. The Trinamool Congress party won 213 seats upping its last time performance despite the stupendous amount of money and other resources spent by the BJP in the electoral arena. But despite my growing weariness with the BJP and its different governments in centre and states, I don't find this landslide victory of TMC good for a country like India which is a melting pot of cultures as diversified as profoundly vegetarian Gujarat to a dog meat eating Nagaland (though recently banned). In this current bumper mandate given to Mamata Banerjee I try to reminisce the suitability and necessity of Coalition governments for Indian Polity.

TMC celebrating 2021 victory despite Election Commission Advisory and Covid situation.

Our Tryst with Coalition Governments till the year 1998

The most common rhetoric that we are hearing for quite some time is if not this leader or this party then whom? And a coalition government seems to be utterly distasteful for our political palate. Though it is not totally without reasons. The first coalition  government by Janta Party in 1977 came to a cropper with in 3 years (witnessing immense infighting) and we didn't see a Coalition government for almost next 10 years. The National Front government in 1989 saw back to back two Prime Minister with in two years, further dampening the plot for Coalition politics. The PV Narshima rao's minority government in 1991 was not exactly Coalition government but could be considered an extrapolation of the same concept. It in many terms was the most revolutionary and courageous government of all times ushering in the era of liberalisation and a privatization. The highly unstable Governments of  HD Devegoda and I K Gujral and 13 month's government of Atal Bihari Vajpayee that followed it further presented the follies of Coalition politics in Indian Political Landscape.

But deconstruction of 1990s era polity provides that the governments formed in the name of Coalition politics were actually misnomer references to the actual concept.  These were totally opportunistic government formations (as if there is any other type of government formation) with no central leader or party to provide shape and structure to the government. It was in fact a grand mismatch of parties just to form governments. Prime Ministers like Devegowda and Gujaral were only stopgap arrangements.

Deve Gowda infamous for caught napping many times during Meetings and Parliament

Era of 1998 -2014: When Coalition Governments Became A Reality

It was actually this phase when to an optimal extent decentralized and accountable Governments functioned at the central level. National democratic Alliance saw in its fold political parties from Tamil Nadu, Maharashtra, West bengal, Odisha, Jammu and Kashmir and others wielding their powers and raising their regional concerns. And all this was happening while we were having a stable government at Centre. The National parties were learning the art of accommodating the concern of regional parties and adhering to a common minimum programme to suit all its constituents. Thay may not have been very revolutionary but it catered to the sentiments of different parts of the country and also to the feeling of unity in the country as people reveled in the opportunity of sharing National Power. 

While BJP was the initiator of the successful Coalition Politics, Congress mastered the art quickly and formed consecutive United Progressive Alliance government for two terms. Though the UPA government was heavily tainted of corruption charges in the last years of its second term, it was also the phase when India witnessed its highest growth rate in near history up to almost 10%. It is though not to discount the fact that the government at that time became highly obnoxious and arrogant, completely ignoring the concerns of people and taking them for granted. For which it was rightly punished with Congress stumbling to a mere two digit figure of 44 in General elections of 2014.

The two Stalwarts of Coalition Politics.

Context in Current Circumstances: Annihilation of Balance/Separation of Power.

Citizens voted for a majority government of BJP in 2014 with very high hopes and aspirations. BJP returned in 2019 with even a more powerful mandate completely obliviating the need of its Coalition partners. But along with this triumphant run to power we lost the most sacrosanct virtue of Balance of Power in a Democracy. The over the top mandate given to the central government was treated in itself as a cue to trample all the democratic institution that could come in it's way of conquering the elixir of ultimate and continuous power. No constitutional institution mattered whether Parliament or Judiciary while institutions like CBI and ED were always considered to be the fiefdom of sitting government controlling the center, since ages.
The Supreme Court which was considered to be the most powerful court in the world surrendered with delayed hearings of important cases including CAB, NRC, Reservation bill for EWS etc. A new culture of 'Sealed Envelope' submission of evidences is just another example of throttling the course of fair trial and justice (In Rafale and Loan defaulter cases).
Passing the Bills in order to cater to a particular ideology or constituency may not be wrong per se (if not against the basic structure of constitution) but the way in which they are passed, completely ignoring the debates, and even proper voting in fact nullifies the existence of Parliament itself. The parliament has been turned into a mere rubber stamping authority for Government decisions.
Media for last several years has become just a propaganda machinery for the current government completely vacating its role of questing the government. Election Commission is reminding the times of pre T N Sheshan era when its was a mere toothless paper tiger. It would not be forgotten that it has blood on its hands of thousands of people who were sacrificed for the grand festival of elections.

This all reminds of a time period of Coalition governments when media had the gut to ask real questions. Judiciary gave stupendous landmark judgements (cancelling of 2G licenses and coal allocation, Homosexual rights and abolition of art 377 etc.). These institutions were considerate towards the need of common man. It was the time when one could raise concerns of common people or communities without being castigated as anti national.

Awakening of Regional Consciousness 

With Congress party tottering to its ultimate demise, it is even more pertinent for regional parties to claw back their share of power in the central government not just for regional aspirations but for the overall balance of democracy,  separation of power and rule of law. Whichever national party forms the government it must not do so without the support of regional satraps.

It can be argued this system is not perfect and has many flaws, but in the end Democracy in reality and practice is the choosing of bad among the worse. 

A Coalition of Interests

The Sleepy town and Tigers

There is nothing very remarkable about the city of Pilibhit, nestled in the trijunction of Uttar Pradesh, Nepal and Uttarakhand. My visit to the city, home of my maternal uncle "mama" is usually about good food and merry times. But this time there was a surprise package waiting for me.

Skyline of Pilibhit

My uncle owns a farmhouse which is almost at edge of the city where farmlands gradually merge with dense forest of Mala, part of Terai region Pilibhit tiger Reserve a home to more than fifty tigers. This recently created tiger Reserve is notorious for human-animal conflict where the price paid is many times of human life. 

Entry Gate of Tiger Reserve

Hut Inside Tiger Reserve

In the evening while getting ready for a stroll we got a call from neighbouring farmer about tiger sighting near the farmhouse. We five people immediately hoped into our car to reach the spot. While on our way to the countryside, sun was slowly setting and so were our chance to get a view of the majestic beast.

Our Bumblebee 

As we reached the forest check-post we were greeted by the farmer boy who had called us. He joined and guided us to a muddy road passing through the village towards the last of farm fields merging into the thick forest. The road was adorned with deep potholes a mark of tractors treading the pathway during monsoon season. Our SUV slowly maneuvered through these potholes in the vision of twilight.

At the Checkpost

Our Farmer Guide

Fields Merging into Jungle

 
As we reached the spot there were almost 15-20 forest official present to watch the movement of tigress. Their duty was to dissuade the tigress from entering the village area and to push her back into the jungle. Often in the summer season due to easy availability of water in farm fields the tigers venture out here for water and prey. At that time she was resting in a sugarcane field with her killed prey. The sugarcane field was next to a fallow field lying adjacent to the road, making it second field to the road. 

Watch Towers; A common feature in the area

A tractor of forest guards customized with iron mesh for protection against tiger was guarding the tigress at the beginning of sugarcane field. After repeated requests to the forest official we were allowed to enter the field to go near the tigress. We moved ahead in the car and covered almost 100 meter before being stopped by a puddle making it difficult for the car to tread ahead. Now the the watch tractor was almost 50 meter ahead and the tigress was further 50 meter.

Earlier Attack of Tiger on the Tractor

 

We gathered courage and moved on our feet towards the tractor the only semblance of safety in pitch dark. We swiftly reached the tractor and climbed atop it. There were two people there keeping a constant vigil on tigress. They flashed very powerful torch in the field and we saw an outline of a mouth panting in the dark. Though it was not very clear in the dark but the feeling was exhilarating.

Though it was a unique experience but not totally satisfying. It was thrilling in its nature that we lay there unprotected probably just 20-30 meters away from the tigress. But we were determined and promised ourselves that will visit again the next day if the tigress remains there and doesn't venture out in forest.

The Next day

We got thumbs up that she was still there the next day, though this time just inside the forest boundary. We left for the village in afternoon and reached there in twenty minutes. We parked our car just outside the forest park boundary and entered there barefoot. And just inside the boundary she was resting in small muddy pool with her head visible. She turned her gaze towards us probably as curious as were we. It was that mischievousness in her eyes which was totally captivating. She seems aloof of the fact that so many people were there guarding her. This time it was clear that we were witnessing one of the most magnificent gift of nature, the queen of jungle without a worry of this world.

Our team

On our way through the City

The Last  "Sardar" Village before Jungle

Tiger Resting in the Pool

After a while she got up in her own playful mood and started roaming here and there. It had a charm of a child engrossed in her own activities. But this time the officials were more concerned about us and told us to wait outside the boundary near our vehicle in case of any advance movement. They were worried that she might again cross the boundary and go towards her prey that was lying in the sugarcane field. We were told that they have asked for elephants who will be arriving the next from Dudhwa National Park to push her back into the forest.

While returning it was not just the charm of tigress in my mind but also a thought that how we have intruded in the territory of wild life and now we have to protect it like a liability while treasure lies beyond.

Do politicians really care?

Since childhood i wanted to enter into politics. Though the driving force definitely was power, authority and charisma but also equally to bring meaningful change in the society. But the political scenario and the major concern and issues of politicians in the country will make you think that can really politics bring any change? The politicians fight only for controversial issues with little impact on people's life. The opposition parties try to stall any move of the government irrespective of its benefit for people just to settle scores.

Coming to people they only get to hear the headlines without any detailed analysis of actions of their leaders. They never understand the real issue behind the Bills, amendments or orders.They follow their leaders on the lines of caste, religion, party or persona.Whether it is Land acquisition bill or GST bill or FDI issues we only know them by their names and line toed by political parties.

Now the reality is that even the big leaders are unaware of the ground realities. They are more concerned about maintaining their regimes and hence are status quoist. They hardly travel to villages or small cities and interact mostly with other power yielding people in their circles such as businessmen, journalists, bureaucrats etc.They are nested comfortably in the upper echelons of the society.

Well this is not totally fault of these people or common man, its the system which is status quoist. A little change tends to shake its foundation. It is strongly resented by anyone who is not facing major disability. Some people who try to change it are lost in midway while some who are successful earn big name like Gandhi, Martin luther King, Nelson Mandela and many more.

I am not saying that every one should become a revolutionary but still there are little things we can do, at least taking the knowledge and information to the less privileged that can make some change in their life.,