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Delve into the "India That is Bharat": A Critique of Colonial Influence
India, That Is Bharat, the compelling first book in a trilogy by J Sai Deepak, embarks on a critical exploration of how "colonial consciousness," particularly its religious and racial underpinnings, has shaped modern India (Bharat), the successor state to the ancient Indic civilization. This insightful work lays the groundwork for its sequels by examining the period between the Age of Discovery, marked by Christopher Columbus' voyage in 1492, and the transformation of Bharat through the British-drafted Government of India Act of 1919.
Deepak's analysis extends beyond just the British Raj, meticulously tracing the influence of international developments like the formation of the Western-led League of Nations on Bharat's trajectory. He meticulously dissects the origins of seemingly universal concepts like "toleration," "secularism," and "humanism," revealing their roots in Christian political theology. The book then explores how these concepts, through a "secularized and universalized Reformation" (constitutionalism), have served to subvert the indigenous Indic consciousness.
India, That Is Bharat doesn't shy away from the complexities of colonialism. It sheds light on the concept of "Middle Eastern coloniality," a precursor to European colonialism, and how these forces collaborated to undermine the Indic worldview. To reclaim Bharat's unique identity, Deepak proposes "decoloniality" as a critical imperative. This civilisational transformation, he argues, must encompass various spheres: nature, religion, culture, history, education, language, and most importantly, the realm of constitutionalism.
Are you interested in:
Understanding the lasting influence of colonialism on modern India?
Examining the roots of concepts like secularism and tolerance?
Exploring the idea of "decoloniality" and its potential to empower Bharat?
If so, India, That Is Bharat is a must-read. This thought-provoking book offers a fresh perspective on Indian history and a roadmap towards reclaiming Bharat's unique civilizational identity.