Educational Essay
Essay

Does Indian History need to be re-written?



Does Indian History need to be re-written?

          History is considered the most important part of any country's culture and heritage. It gives us true picture of our past.
          British wrote Indian history to suit their imperial designs. And then after independence history written highlighted the sacrifice of certain powerful segment of national leadership. It is time now. to correct these wrongs in an objective manner. Distortions in history need to be set right. It is strange that the struggle of Indian minded persons against the Muslim rulers and the British rulers is presented as the misdeeds of terrorists. How can an Indian mind digest the idea that Guru Teg Bahadur was a looter and a rapist? Shivaji waged struggle against Aurangzeb just because it was the growth of Maratha national sentiments. The martyrdom of Guru Teg Bahadur was due to the conspiracy of some members of his family. No body has objections if Auranzeb is called Zinda Pir. It is also incredible what the modern history says about the Jats that they were plunderers. The attacks of Allaudin on Chittor to get Rani Padamani are not acceptable to many so called secular leaders. It is irony that Khudi Ram Bose, Lala Hardayal, Bhagat Singh, Vir Savarkar and Bhai Parmanand are presented as terrorists. According to self styled secular historians, they were terrorists.
          If India is a secular state, it became secular only after the Britishers had departed. Secularism in the past was an unknown concept during the Muslim and British Periods. History should not be used to extol one dynasty or one community. Nor should it be used to denigrate any one particular segment of society. At the same time it is a mockery what is taught in the text books for class V in west Bengal. According to the Marxist Government it may be correct to teach children, “Islam & Christianity are the only religions which treat man with honour and equality.” Such half truths and half lies have distorted modern history.
          The teaching of the Vedas and astrology don't go against the interest of any particular community. If the Vedas are taught in Indian schools and are not respected in India, should it be expected that other countries will do it? The destruction of Bamiyan should not be highlighted because it hurts the senti¬ments of a particular community. What a ridiculous Idea! One should have no objection if there are references to the evils of Varna system, plight of widows, the sufferings of the Dalits and women and so many other evils of Indian society. It should not be considered as profanation of Hindu Religion. It is tragic to note that such a subject as History has come to be politicised. One should be honest enough to admit that Indian National Movement has not been projected in true colours. Most of freedom fighters have not found a place of honour in the pages of Indian History. Has any body heard the name of Durga Bhabhi, the stead fast companion of Bhagat Singh and other martyrs? Is there any statue of hers or any institution named after her? Definitely not. The reasons are obvious. The name of Udham Singh should have been glorified in no uncertain terms.

          His daring deeds should have been high lighted to make the youth of the country manly in their outlook. Tragically, it is not so. History is not a moral fable and description of glorious events. The fact must be brought out so that we may develop scientific temper and learn from the mistakes of the past. AU those living in India are Indians. They must learn to accept the facts of History. They can not grow up as part of the nation if they shut their eyes to the past. Past is a mirror and we must look in it and remove the distortions in our thinking. It is more important function of history not to ignore unpleasant facts. Therefore, keeping this fact in mind truthful and objective history is the need of the day.