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Bharat Ka Itihaas
Download these Essays. To view them you will need to download the Arjun font. Get Arjun Font Install the font, then view in Microsoft Word. If you cannot view the files, go to your fonts folder, open the Arjun Fonts folder. You should see the Hindi-Devanagari characters. Leave this Folder open. Then reopen the downloaded essays. The Aryan Invasion Controversy Ever since the theory of the Aryan invasion of India was first propounded, the theory has remained a subject of intense debate and controversy. This essay examines some of the arguments both for and against the theory and concludes that even if any such invasion/s took place, the impact and the significance of such an invasion on Indian civilization should not be exaggerated. Instead, this opinion argues that Indian civilization whether Hindu, Buddhist or Jain or any other, developed primarily from the unique (and varied) conditions of Indian geography and the human exertion that went into modifying those conditions to advance agriculture and settled civilization rather than from any particular invasion that may have occurred in a period of considerable antiquity. The Aryan Invasion: theories, counter-theories and historical significance Hindi
Translation of the Aryan Invasion Controversy
Contrary to the popular perception
that Indian
civilization has been largely concerned with the affairs of the spirit
and "after-life", India's historical record suggests that some of the
greatest Indian minds were much more concerned with developing
philosophical paradigms that were grounded in reality. The premise that
Indian philosophy is founded solely on mysticism and renunciation
emanates from a colonial and orientalist world view that seeks to
obfuscate a rich tradition of scientific thought and analysis in India. Hindi
Translation of Philosophy and Scientific Method A brief introduction to Upanishadic philosophy, the rational schools of Nyaya Vaisheshika, and the atomic theories of the Jains and Buddhists: Philosophical
Development from Upanishadic Theism to Scientific Realism Hindi
Translation of Upanishadic Pholosophy to Scientific Realism
An overview of Buddhist critiques of irrational rituals, supernatural beliefs and philosophical extremes; an elaboration of the ethical and moral underpinnings of Buddhism's philosophical paradigms: Buddhist Ethics and Social Criticism
Hindi Translation of Buddhism in India
The Birth of
Science in India This essay looks at the progress of Indian mathematics from the Harappan period to the 17th century. While tracing the development of the Indian numeral system it acknowledges the salutary role played by Panini in the development of scientific notation in India. It also explores the role of philosophy and related disciplines such as astronomy in the advance of Indian mathematics. History of
Mathematics in India Hindi Translation of History of
Mathematics in India
This next essay traces
the
development of
the physical sciences such as Physics and Chemistry in Ancient and
Medieval India, identifying both the strengths and weaknesses of the
Indian approach to the physical sciences, especially the failure of
later Indian scientists to engage in experimentation and quantification
of scientific observations. A Brief History of Technology in India An historical overview of technological inventions and the practical applications of technology in the subcontinent starting from the Harappan period. In particular, this analysis looks at how geographic and social conditions can have a bearing on the development and use of new technology in society. Technological discoveries and applications in India Hindi Translation of Indian
Technological Advances Crafts and
Trade in India
A brief history of
industrial
crafts, manufacturing, metallurgy, shipping and trade in the Indian
sub-continent: Historic Aspects of Craft and Trade in India Hindi Translation of Crafts and
Trade Adivasi traditions and practices pervade all aspects of Indian culture and civilization, yet this awareness is often lacking in the popular consciousness. This article explores the critical role of the tribal republics in shaping Buddhism, and how numerous Adivasi practices became woven into the broad range of Hindu customs and beliefs. Adivasi contributions to Indian languages, arts and crafts as well as Ayurvedic medicine are also brought to attention. In particular, this essay highlights the heroic struggle of the Adivasis against the extreme depredations of British colonial rule. Adivasi Contributions to Indian Culture and Civilization Hindi Translation of Adivasi Contributions
History of Orissa The history of Orissa makes an interesting case-study in that its history is in many ways atypical from that of the northern plains and many of the common generalizations that are made about Indian history do not seem to apply to the Oriya region. Here is a brief survey of its eclectic philosophical traditions, vibrant trade connections, developments in metallurgy, irrigation, fine arts and crafts, social mobility and development of popular culture. Colonization and Orissa's struggle against British rule are also discussed. History of Orissa: An introduction Hindi Translation of Orissa's History
Historiography
of the Conquest of Sindh A critical examination of
official Pakistani histories concerning the invasion of Sindh by the
Bin Qasim militias and the subsequent impact on the development of
civilization and culture in
Sindh. Islamization
and
the Arab conquest of Sindh
The Islamic Invasions in North Western India: Ghazni and Ghur - Medieval Punjab's Slave-Trading Conquerors Punjab and the Ghazni and Ghur Invasions
Impact of Islam An assessment of the impact of Islamic rule in India - the effects on trade, manufacturing, urbanization, political structures and society: Islam and
the sub-continent - appraising its impact Hindi Translation of Islamic Impact Regional Islamic Kingdoms Adaptation and Compromise with Hindu and Jain Traditions in the Regional Sultanates Hindi Translation of the Regional
Sultanates
Mughal Rule in India This critical appraisal of Mughal rule in India examines the context in which the Mughal victories took place, outlining how a combination of military strength and strategic alliances with regional rulers enabled Mughal rulers to expand and cement their rule. This essay also points to the role of Sher Shah Suri in developing the Grand Trunk Road and the creation of new manufacturing towns in the Gangetic plain and how Akbar built on this foundation to facilitate the expansion of trade activities in the Northern plains. This analysis also attempts to look at some of the factors that led to the disintegration of the Mughal empire - such as the alienation of the peasantry, and the disaffection of outlying regions.
Impact of Sufi Thought An appraisal of Sufi philosophy, literature and poetry; cultural and intellectual contributions; Luminaries such as Mulla Nasruddin, Jalaluddin Rumi, Sheikh Saadi, Nuruddin Jami and Kabir: Sufi Currents and
Civilization in the Islamic Courts
The
British East India Company "In the middle of the seventeenth century, Asia still had a far more important place in the world than Europe." So wrote J. Pirenne in his 'History of the Universe', published in Paris in 1950. He added, "The riches of Asia were incomparably greater than those of the European states. Her industrial techniques showed a subtlety and a tradition that the European handicrafts did not possess. And there was nothing in the more modern methods used by the traders of the Western countries that Asian trade had to envy. In matters of credit, transfer of funds, insurance, and cartels, neither India, Persia, nor China had anything to learn from Europe." Colonial rule, however, was to bring about a dramatic change in the relative positions of the nations of Asia vis-a-vis Europe. The East India companies played a crucial role in the subjugation of the Asian world, and the eventual colonization of almost all non-European nations. This article traces the transformation of the British East India Company from a trading company to a colonizing power: From Trade to Colonization - Historic Dynamics of the East India Companies (English Version) Hindi
Translation of The East India Companies Also see: European Domination of the Indian Ocean Trade (A brief outline of Portuguese
and Dutch dominance over the Asian Trade) Hindi Translation of European Domination of Indian Ocean Trade
Literacy in British India in 1911 was only 6%, in 1931 it was 8%, and by 1947 it had crawled to 11%. The 1931 census revealed 74 per cent of Bombay's population lived in one-room tenements - with one-third living more than 5 to a room. After the Second World War, 13 per cent of Bombay's population slept on the streets. 10-15 tenements typically shared one water tap. Life expectancy in India had fallen to 23 in 1931! In the 50 years prior to independence, the Indian economy experienced zero growth. The Colonial Legacy - Some Myths and Popular Beliefs (English Version) Hindi Translation of The Colonial Legacy The Colonial Educational Policy "We must do our best to form a class who may be interpreters between us and the millions whom we govern, a class of persons Indian in blood and colour, but English in taste, in opinions, words and intellect." So stated Thomas Macaulay, architect of Colonial Britain's Educational Policy in India. An analysis of how the British Education system infected views of India in Britain and Europe, and how it was designed to further British imperialist aims in the subcontinent: British
Education in India (English Version) Hindi Translation of Colonial Educational
Policy
The Revolt of 1857 Although dismissed by some as merely a sepoy's revolt, or as a protest against the violation of religious rights by the British, the great uprising of 1857 is slowly gaining recognition as India's first war of independence. In its broad sweep it was the greatest armed challenge to colonial rule during the entire course of the nineteenth century. Attracting people from all walks of life - both Hindus and Muslims, it triggered demands for radical social and economic reforms, calling for a new society that would be more democratic and more representative of popular demands: The Revolutionary Upheaval of 1857 (English Version) Hindi Translation of 1857 RevoltLoyalist Pressures During British Rule As has been noted by several historians of British-ruled India, the numerical presence of the British in colonized India was never very significant. Yet, the British were able to maintain a vast and stable empire in the Indian subcontinent for almost two centuries. This multi-part essay elaborates on how the were British were able to garner the loyalty or acquiescence of the Indian Maharajas, the decadent feudal aristocracy, landlords, money lenders and sections of the new urban elite, and how such loyalist forces retarded the progress towards freedom. Loyalist Agents in the Indian Aristocracy and the Early Congress In part two, Tilak's role in popularizing Swaraj (Self-Rule) and Swadeshi (Self-Reliance) is highlighted, and the role of Congress Moderates such as Gokhale in thwarting Tilak's rise to leadership of the Congress is brought out. "Moderates" versus "Extremists" in the battle for "Swaraj" and "Swadeshi"
India's Freedom Struggle " Nadir Shah looted the country only once. But the British loot us every day. Every year wealth to the tune of 4.5 million dollar is being drained out, sucking our very blood. Britain should immediately quit India. '' That's what the Sindh Times wrote on May 20, 1884, a year before the Indian National Congress was born and 58 years before the ''Quit India'' movement of 1942 was launched. Contrary to the view that nationalist sentiments were awoken by the Indian National Congress only when M.K. Gandhi took over its leadership, nationalist feelings in India had been present as early as 1857, and expressions of Indian nationalism manifested themselves in various forms all through the course of British rule. Key Landmarks in the Indian Freedom Struggle Hindi Translation of the Indian
Freedom Struggle Documents of the Ghadar Movement
(Hindi) Note: Mr. Gulveer Singh Bhatiya
assisted with the translation of the Ghadar Movement Documents
Questioning the theoretical foundations of the 2-nation theory, this article offers historical evidence to suggest that the partition of the sub-continent was primarily the result of colonial chicanery and the violent sectarianism of the Muslim League. The article concludes: In hindsight, it is clear that partition was largely a colonial trick. The Muslim League had never proved its strength in any truly democratic vote. The British knew that the Congress was under great pressure to gain independence quickly. They exploited the mood of impatience and weariness in the Congress to accept partition even when it wasn't what the masses of the Indian sub-continent had really wished for. The
2-Nation Theory and Partition (English Version) Hindi Translation of Partition (Translated jointly by Sanat Singhai and Suresh Gupta)
Caste and Gender equations in Indian history Perhaps no aspect of India's history has excited greater fascination for Western indologists and educators than India's caste system and the practice of Sati. In the last few millenia, few civilized societies have been free from social inequities - but social relations in India have acquired a peculiar notoriety. Colonial (and neo-colonial) constructs of Indian history continue to treat India's caste system as though it were a constant and essential aspect of Indian history. There have been very few attempts at comparative analysis, and only a few social scientists have explored how economic and political factors may have impinged on the caste system. The relationship between the caste system and modes of production has also received inadequate attention. A particularly important aspect missing in many contemporary treatments of the subject is the role of social upheavals and ideological struggles in ameliorating or modifying caste equations - something that has, in fact, happened throughout Indian history. Islamic invasions and conquests also had an impact, as did colonization, whose effects were particularly deleterious.This analysis attempts to rescue this delicate but important subject from the hasty generalizations and rash polemics that have impaired serious and conscientious study of this difficult and sometimes thorny aspect of Indian history: History of Social Relations in India Hindi Translation of Caste/Gender
Relations in India Indian Art and Architecture This perspective on Indian art and architecture challenges the stereotypic notions about Indian art and architecture being largely confined to the religious space. India's rich legacy in the arts and architecture includes much that is secular and universalistic in its appeal. This essay explores the philosophical underpinnings of Indian sculpture and temple decoration, and also examines the aesthetic principles that give the Indian miniature its particular character, highlighting the vital role that folk traditions have played in shaping India's aesthetical ideals. Developments in Indian Art and Architecture Hindi Translation of Indian Art Two Essays on Indian Art by Jagdish Mittal (Curator/Collector - Jagdish and Kamla Mittal Museum of Indian Art, Hyderabad): Hindi Translation of Indian Folk Paintings Hindi Translation of Indian Drawings
Jammu and Kashmir A contemporary history outlining Jammu and Kashmir's diversity, the popular aspirations of different groups, and how Islamic fundamentalists and terrorists have garnered all the media attention and hijacked the political agenda for Kashmir Jammu & Kashmir:
Self-Determination, Demands for a Plebiscite and Secession: Hindi Translation of Jammu &Kashmir To contact the Translator: Sanat Singhai for comments on the hindi Version, send an e-mail to sanatsinghai @yahoo.com To contact the Original Author, Shishir Thadani (Please note that e-mail has changed) send
an e-mail to Also see South Asian History or Topics in Indian History for other relevant essays that shed some light on the history of the subcontinent. (If you liked our site, or would like to help with the South Asian Voice project and help us expand our reach, please click here) To send an e-mail, write to india.resource @yahoo.com
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| New Essays Added: Nov 1, 2007 |