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Violent History of Indian Kings

Mohak Mangal・2 minutes read

The text discusses the recipe for classic spaghetti carbonara and the violent history of rulers in India, highlighting the prevalence of violence in various empires and religions, including examples from Hindu, Buddhist, and Islamic rulers. Historical figures like Ashoka the Great and Aurangzeb are mentioned, showcasing how power was often gained through violence in Indian history.

Insights

  • The historical narrative of violence in Indian rulers' actions transcends religious boundaries, with examples like Ashoka the Great and the Vijayanagara Empire showcasing a broader pattern of power acquisition through brutality.
  • The recent controversy over Mughal chapters in textbooks underscores ongoing debates about the portrayal of Muslim rulers in India, with historian D.N. Jha emphasizing that violence against other religions predated Islamic rule, challenging common perceptions and highlighting the complex historical context.

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Recent questions

  • What is the recipe for classic spaghetti carbonara?

    Boil spaghetti, cook guanciale, whisk eggs with cheese, toss.

  • Who created a religious place centuries ago?

    Pushyamitra, not Aurangzeb, created a religious place.

  • What sparked debates on Indian rulers' violent history?

    Recent removal of Mughal chapters from textbooks.

  • Who used violence to secure power in the Mauryan Empire?

    Ashoka the Great used violence to secure power.

  • What justified violence for power in Indian texts?

    Various texts like Arthashastra justified violence for power.

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Summary

00:00

Classic Spaghetti Carbonara Recipe

  • Recipe for classic spaghetti carbonara
  • Ingredients: spaghetti, eggs, pecorino cheese, guanciale, black pepper
  • Boil spaghetti until al dente
  • Cook guanciale until crispy
  • Whisk eggs with cheese and pepper
  • Toss cooked spaghetti with guanciale and egg mixture
  • Serve immediately

00:00

"Violence in Indian History: Kings and Religion"

  • Centuries ago, a king created a religious place for his religion, promoting peace and tolerance.
  • After the king's death, a new king of a different religion promoted his own faith by destroying other religious places and killing practitioners.
  • The king in question is Pushyamitra, not Aurangzeb, who targeted the Sanchi Stupa in Buddhism.
  • Recent removal of Mughal chapters from NCERT textbooks sparked debates on the violent history of Muslim rulers in India.
  • Violence has been prevalent in Indian history, irrespective of rulers' religions, as seen in portrayals of Muslim kings as villains in movies.
  • Historian D.N. Jha notes that violence against other religions existed before Islamic rule in India.
  • Violence in Indian history is exemplified by various kings, like Aurangzeb, who killed family members for power.
  • In the 5th century BC, the 16 Janpadas evolved into the 16 Mahajanpadas, with Magadh being a significant one.
  • Ashoka the Great, from the Mauryan Empire, used violence to secure power, even killing family members.
  • Ashoka's brutality extended to beheading and killing officials to eliminate rivals.
  • The Vijayanagara Empire, founded by Harihar and Bukka, saw internal violence, including assassinations and patricide.
  • Historian Upinder Singh highlights the prevalence of violence in Indian history, where power was often gained through bloodshed.
  • Various Indian texts, like Arthashastra, justified violence for power, including extreme punishments like burning or tearing apart.
  • Violence wasn't limited to Hindu texts; Buddhist scriptures also depict the necessity of violence for rulers to maintain control.
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