September/October 2001

Social Issues and Commentaries from India and the Subcontinent

On Astrology and Advanced Education in India
A reader's comment

(In recent months, the country has become sharply divided on the issue of whether astrology is a science or a subject that merits a place in university curriculums. While the BJP  has been plugging astrology as a subject that deserves legitimate scholarly attention in publicly-funded universities, the opposition (with the exception of  Congress leader Digvijay Singh) has been extremely critical of such attempts. The BJP's allies in the TDP, the DMK, the Shiv Sena and the Trinamul Congress have also expressed their differences on this issue.) 

Here is a comment from one of our readers:

Not only has the BJP leadership's handling of the economy been aimless and inept, it has also shown a thoroughly misguided zeal in promoting irrational subjects such as astrology in India's universities. While it would indeed be a good thing if Indians learnt more about the rational and scientific currents in Indian history - something that has been sadly neglected in India's past curriculums, there is no need for the government to promote esoteric and mystical studies in Indian schools. Discovering the scientific and philosophical gems from the Indian past is one thing - promoting obscurantist belief systems is quite another. One is a laudable goal, necessary for the reconstruction of Indian self-esteem destroyed by centuries of colonial rule and conquest. But the other prevents India from utilizing the full benefits of science and reason that are necessary to make progress in today's world - not only for individuals but for nations as well.

Nothing prevents Indians from pursuing hobbies like astrology on their own time. The Indian constitution provides ample space for Indians to pursue any interest in religion or spiritual philosophies of their choice. But it is surely not the duty of the government to mandate the study of subjects like Yoga, meditation, or  prayer in Indian schools. Those who are so inclined can easily do so on their own. The national curriculum needs to be formulated by scholars who can effectively combine the best of the Indian tradition with a vision for scientific and rational renewal. The past can be useful when it illuminates a better future, but not otherwise.

Although the opposition is right in opposing these retrogressive moves by the BJP, the opposition to the BJP has yet to show the sort of sophistication necessary to adequately counter such moves. There is a genuine hunger for knowledge of the positive aspects of the Indian heritage. For that reason, it is important that those opposed to religious obscurantism and religious revivalism offer their own creative response to this issue. Rather than reject Vedic mathematics out of hand, it might be worth proposing courses on the History of Mathematics in India that could illustrate the mathematical content of the Sulva Sutras, and highlight the many important discoveries in mathematics that took place in India prior to the Industrial Revolution. 

Historians of science and technology could put together a compendium of rational and scientific investigation in Indian history. This could be done without promoting national chauvinism or foolish myth making. It could be done in a manner that makes the pursuit of Indian history and the study of science more interesting and illuminating. A critically  objective approach to the progress of science and technology in India could open the minds of not only young Indians but also of senior scholars in the field of humanities who mean well but often lack an approach that is grounded in science and reason. 

Science and technology in India ought not to be studied as gifts of the Western World - as exclusive preserves of the post-industrial era. The history of science and technology is much older than the European Renaissance, the Industrial Revolution or Colonization. India's role in the development of modern science and technology is no mere footnote. It is important for Indians - young and old to be aware of this important aspect of Indian History. But they need to learn that history from balanced and objective scholars - not exotic myth-makers and noisy religious revivalists.

Back to South Asian Voice (Front Page)

Editorial Note: For  selections on the history of the Indian sub-continent visit South Asian History; 

See: Development of Philosophical Thought and Scientific Method in Ancient India

Philosophical Development from Upanishadic Theism to Scientific Realism

History of Mathematics in India

Technological discoveries and applications in India

Adivasi Contributions to Indian Culture and Civilization

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