Mahatma Gandhi’s letter is all set to be auctioned tomorrow. It is probably the last letter written by the Mahatma. Last year Vijay Mallaya bought the sword of Tipu Sultan from one such auction. Thanks to him a very important part of our history was saved from going into some foreign private collectors hands. This indicates how much importance we give to our history. These days importance is determined on the basis of utility. In the wake of such relentless practicality ‘History’ has to fight for its survival.
How many of us know that 6,000 years ago the Rig Veda proposed classifications of plant life based on morphological characteristics, or that a thousand year earlier than Copernicus, Aryabhatta proposed that the sun was the centre. Our elders studied astronomy, linguistics, mathematics, medicine and surgery, physics, technology, and fine arts thousands of years ago and on the basis of that knowledge later civilizations built their structures. Nineteenth century British historian Grant Buff writes, “Many of the advances in the sciences that we consider today to have been made in Europe were in fact made in India centuries ago.” And according to Einstein, “We owe a lot to the Indians, who taught us how to count, without which no worthwhile scientific discovery could have been made.” (I don’t want to sound like Manoj Kumar)
Ashoka’s empire was known for its respect for humanity and animals. Buddhism played a key role in the development of the Indian civilization. It was one of the golden periods of Indian history. Science and arts flourished and that is why this region has a rich history of art and science. Chanakya’s Arthashastra is respected even now. Then Muslims came, enamored by the Indian knowledge and aesthetics, made it their home and gave this region an unprecedented glory and contributed toward its development. When Muslims came to the subcontinent they added to the glorious history of India.
Our govts are busy distorting history according to their own convenience. BJP has its own version and Arjun Singh his own. What happens to the poor students of history is nobody’s problem.
from Vishesh :)
from Reema :)
