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

ANI News2 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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