How the past speaks

Sudhirendar Sharma

Sudhirendar Sharma

Much as history should have helped broaden our intellectual horizon, as a society we have beset ourselves with deficits in critical thinking and historical imagination. 

History may be cast in stone but not human identity which draws from and builds upon the past to reinterpret it, as it rummages through time. Historian H E Carr would argue that history is a continuous dialogue between the past and present and a continual interaction between the historian and the facts, for a correct interpretation and accurate recording of facts. Stretching the argument further, Namit Arora contends that history should as much advance our understanding of the past as extend help in understanding our place in the rapidly transforming world. Bringing together ancient history, chronicled narrative, and present interpretation of six iconic places, Arora triangulates history as an evolving process.

Illuminating and evocative, Indians is a credible attempt at reconstructing history through astute reflections on the evolution and decline of historical sites which were once cradles of civilization in this part of the world. Told through visits to the archaeological sites at Dholavira, Nagarjunakonda, Nalanda, Khajuraho, Hampi and Varanasi, and peppered with the perceptive accounts of the times by noted travelers like Megasthenes, Xuanzang, Alberuni and Marco Polo, this prehistory explores our interconnected ancestry that binds us to our collective present. It is a book about belonging: about walking in ancient places in search for an authentic identity. 

In addition to fulfilling the author’s quest for reconnecting with the country after two decades of overseas sojourn as an IT professional, the book serves a dual purpose of replacing the dull, untrue or often motivated narrative on history with more open, evidence-based and empathetic perspective on shaping the idea of India. That the Harappans had the most sophisticated water management system including the first-ever indoor toilets over two millennia ago exposes our present-day sanitation inadequacies, and the erotic architecture of Khajuraho temples mocks at our cultural aversion to harnessing the power of desire toward spiritual awakening. Much as history should have helped broaden our intellectual horizon, as a society we have beset ourselves with deficits in critical thinking and historical imagination.         

Like discerning students of archaeological history, Arora marvels the artistic excellence, technological  sophistication  and religious moderation of the bygone era but expresses concern at some cultural misunderstandings by the travelers, for which he suggests long overdue need for fresh translations of their account to get new insights on history. The suggestion is not without purpose as ‘the accounts of travelers (Chinese) are invaluable to inform and enchant us, and for providing us the evidence we need to resist the rewriting of history to suit narrow political ends.’ Without staking any serious claim to history writing, Indians provides an exciting churn of ideas, beliefs and values that have the potential to reshape our present. 

An ambitious journey covering the period from 220 CE to 2600 BCE makes for absorbing reading, although at places author’s innocent curiosity gets the better of accepted historical facts. Some of this comes from the danger and difficulty inherent in journeys across historic time zones, and hence perception on the eulogy of pre-Hindu era; the fall of Buddhism; and the mutilation of temples by the Mughals may fall short of academic rigor. No such claims are staked by the author either, who perceives history as many layers of suggestions such that it evokes, conjoins and involves the seeker. Else, who would be courageous enough to write that ‘most temple desecration had political and not sectarian motives.’ Arora evokes historian Richard M. Eaton’s famous remarks ‘absence of evidence is not evidence of absence’ to justify his digressions.  

It is with pleasure one reads a book like Indians, which provides hitherto unmatched style of dealing with multiple layers of history. With Arora as an inquiring travel companion, the archaeological sites come alive showcasing the complexity and diversity of the lost worlds. Written with transcendent beauty to prose, and with occasional moments of epiphany and even ecstasy, it fills the growing demand of capitalism and nationalism to draw a new narrative about being Indians. Without a judicious sense of history, argues the author, reflection on human societies across time and place alone can help construct an authentic present.

While deepening our sense of wonder that was India, touring historical landmarks to capture their imminent downfall brings about a new awakening on our past. For not been aligned with any ideological view, Indians should come a handy reading for the present generation which, under the influence of modernity, is getting distanced from our rich heritage and illustrious past. Only through an appreciation of unbiased history, can one bridge the distance between past and present to carve a distinct future for our civilization. Indians could offer a perfect start!       

Indians 

by Namit Arora

Penguin-Viking, New Delhi 

Extent: 296, Price: Rs. 599.

First published in Outlook weekly on Oct 1, 2021. 

Dr. Sudhirendar Sharma is a writer specializing in development issues. He is based in New Delhi, India