EP-25 | History concealed Ghori’s, Ghazni’s atrocities; demonized Veer Savarkar: Dr Vikram Sampath

ANI News・2 minutes read

India's history is often biased, with many events fabricated, leading to a lack of generational knowledge; Vikram Sampath's book aims to balance these narratives, showcasing tales of resistance and bravery. The text highlights the importance of including diverse perspectives in mainstream history, emphasizing the need for a comprehensive understanding of India's past.

Insights

History taught in schools is often biased and incomplete, with instances of fabricated events and forced narratives, leading to a loss of generational knowledge.
Vikram Sampath's book "Bravehearts of Bharat" aims to provide a balanced and inclusive view of Indian history by highlighting lesser-known figures, emphasizing gender representation, and showcasing stories of resistance and bravery.
The evolution of Indian historiography involves challenging biased narratives, embracing diverse perspectives, and recognizing the resilience of Indian civilization, underscoring the importance of history in fostering national identity and self-worth.

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Recent questions

Who is Vikram Sampath?
An Indian historian and author.
What is the focus of "Bravehearts of Bharat"?
Highlighting tales of resistance and bravery.
Why is it important to include diverse narratives in history?
To provide a comprehensive view of the past.
What is the significance of Tipu Jayanti?
An annual celebration in India.
How did resistance against invaders shape Indian history?
Through acts of bravery and strategic military tactics.

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Summary

00:00

"Bravehearts of Bharat: Diverse Stories of Courage"

History taught in schools is often limited and biased, with many events being fabricated.
In the 7th Century, Arabs, led by a figure, prevented Arabs from reaching mainland India.
Instances of forced marriages and brutal actions, like hanging Hindus on Deepavali, are part of India's living history.
Despite this history, events like Tipu Jayanti are celebrated annually, leading to a loss of generational knowledge.
Vikram Sampath, a historian and author, discusses his book "Bravehearts of Bharat" in a podcast with Smitha Prakash.
The book highlights 15 individuals from Indian history, focusing on tales of resistance and bravery.
Vikram's book aims to balance gender representation, geographical spread, and time span in narrating these stories.
The book sheds light on lesser-known figures like Lalitaditya, a Kashmiri ruler with a vast empire in the 7th century.
Vikram emphasizes the importance of including diverse narratives, like those from the Northeast, in mainstream Indian historiography.
Vikram's book aims to provide a comprehensive view of Indian history, showcasing stories of courage and civilizational impact.

15:09

Arab Invasion and Hindu Resistance in India

Arabs, led by Muhammad bin Qasim, faced resistance beyond Sindh, preventing their advance into mainland India.
A confederacy, including figures like Bappa Raval, Naga Bhatta, and Vikramaditya, thwarted Arab expansion.
Muhammad bin Qasim's invasion of Sindh led to widespread plunder, rape, and destruction of places of worship.
Two princesses, Parimal Devi and Surya Devi, avenged their father's murder by deceiving the Caliph and causing Muhammad bin Qasim's death.
Ahilya Bai's daughter committed Johar, leading to Ahilya Bai's emotional breakdown and withdrawal from public life.
Ahilya Bai, a queen of Indore, faced personal tragedies, including her daughter's decision to commit Sati.
Mahmud of Ghazni's destruction of the Somnath idol was driven by religious motives, not just economic gain.
Hindus resisted Mahmud of Ghazni's forces at Somnath, with 50,000 common people defending the temple.
Temples faced destruction, but efforts were made to save sacred objects like Shivlings, moving them to safety.
Tipu Sultan's brutal actions, including temple destruction and mass killings, are often overlooked in history books, highlighting the need for a comprehensive understanding of India's past.

30:41

Embracing diverse history: challenging traditional narratives

History should embrace diverse opinions rather than a single narrative imposed on the nation.
During imperialism, scholars from Maharashtra challenged James Mill's biased portrayal of India in his writings.
This resistance led to the emergence of the Nationalist School of historiography.
Post-Independence, differing viewpoints on history are labeled negatively, hindering open discourse.
Historians are sharply divided between conservative and liberal perspectives.
The conservative narrative is being challenged by a new generation of historians.
The historical narrative is evolving to include lost tales and different perspectives.
Textbooks in India often overlook significant historical figures and events.
The portrayal of historical figures like Shivaji Maharaj is often inaccurate or incomplete.
There is a need for a comprehensive and inclusive approach to Indian history that incorporates unsung heroes and heroines.

46:52

Resilience and Diversity: India's Cultural Legacy

The survival of intangible cultural aspects alongside tangible jyotirlinga relics is attributed to India's historical diversity, encompassing various faith systems from Vedic to tantric to animist beliefs.
Invaders' attempts to destroy centers of learning like Nalanda and Vikramshila were countered by the oral tradition, ensuring knowledge propagation through generations despite losses.
The resilience of Indian civilization, embracing diverse beliefs, is a story deserving recognition, emphasizing the importance of history in fostering national identity and self-worth.
Criticism of Hinduism for co-opting diverse beliefs is addressed, highlighting the inclusive nature of Sanatana Dharma that absorbed various faiths without erasing their specific identities.
The Chola dynasty's Hindu roots are evident in their worship practices, temple construction, and patronage of Vedic and Tamil traditions, showcasing a rich cultural heritage.
The Cholas' maritime prowess, evidenced by their naval expeditions and trade dominance in Southeast Asia, underscores India's historical significance as a global economic and military power.
The precision in Chola navigation techniques, incorporating astrology and astronomy for sea voyages, exemplifies their advanced maritime capabilities and strategic planning.
The Maratha Navy, under figures like Kanhoji Angre, safeguarded Indian coastal trade routes, challenging European powers and emphasizing the importance of local permissions for trade.
Rani Abbaka of Karnataka, a lesser-known historical figure, led fierce resistance against Portuguese invaders, showcasing her bravery and strategic military tactics in defending her territory.
Rani Abbaka's legacy, including her surprise attacks on Portuguese forces and successful defense of Mangalore Fort, resonated globally, earning her admiration and recognition for her courageous leadership.

01:02:58

Challenging stereotypes through historical storytelling.

The man initially made cruel remarks about a woman's appearance but later admired her nobility and kindness.
Despite initial assumptions, the woman displayed maternal concern and intelligence, surprising the man.
The woman's inquiry about the man's travels led to a heartbreak discussion, challenging stereotypes.
Misconceptions about the woman, including involvement in black magic, were debunked, highlighting biases against female rulers.
The lack of historical documentation about significant figures like Rani Abaka was noted, emphasizing the importance of preserving such stories.
Folk rituals kept memories alive, but historical details were only revealed later through scholarly efforts.
The blending of legend, myth, and history in narratives like Yakshagana was discussed, showcasing the complexity of storytelling.
The Indian approach to historiography, embedding historical truths within stories for moral and didactic purposes, was explained.
The significance of Kashmir as a center of knowledge and learning, alongside material opulence, was highlighted.
The importance of preserving stories of civilizational heroes like the Ahoms and the Meiteis, who contributed to spiritual and cultural renaissances, was emphasized.

01:19:04

Embracing Cultural History: An Enlightening Perspective

Encourages exploring cultural history without embarrassment, emphasizing the need for a balanced view of past achievements and follies.
Highlights the importance of acknowledging the diverse achievements and strengths of ancestors, including spiritual and military aspects, to understand the essence of a nation's history.
Concludes with a light-hearted historical controversy about the origin of Mysore Park, settling the debate with a humorous anecdote involving different regional perspectives and alliances.

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