The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity (2005)
Author: Amartya Sen
It is surprising that if Indians were really that cantankerous in voicing their opinions, how is it that a small battalion of British soldiers brought down repeated rebellions, looted and decimated a country which was earning 20 % of the world GDP to one which was the 13th poorest country in the world when they left. How did they subdue the argumentative Indian? I wonder if Gandhi's rhetoric of passive resistance and brotherly love for fellow mankind had anything to do with it. After all, the British made their dash out only when the Indians in the Army and Navy mutinied following the trial of INA officers/ rebellions.
This book comprises articles written by Nobel laureate for Economics and Bharat Ratna recipient Amyrtha Sen. Lately, an unabashed atheist, Sen has been chastised for his socialistic view critical of the Modi administration and his wife's link to the Rothschilds. Nevertheless, his ideas are greatly appreciated.
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Adi Shankara's debate with Mandana Mishra
and Ubaya Bhāratī |
Unlike many other cultures, Indians encouraged intellectual discourses and debates. In ancient India, as early as 800CE, Adi Sankaracharya is said to have spanned the four corners of India to argue out meanings of life. He had travelled to propagate his Advaita (non-dual - that the self is part of universal reality philosophy; that the Atma is part of Paraatma. The rulers of the day were keen to stage mammoth intellectual discourses. In one such instance, a travelling Adi Sankaracharya joined a debate with Mandana Mishra, a proponent of Mimamsa philosophy emphasising the ritualistic aspect of divinity. Their debate which was refereed by his Mandana's wife, Ubaya Bhāratī, lasted 15 days with a win for Adi Sankaracharya. Ubhaya continued debating on her husband's behalf. The point is that Ubhaya herself was an established debater. Ancient India did not have discriminatory policies against women appearing publicly and stating opinions.
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Festivals in Tamil Nadu are never complete without pattimandrams |
This tradition continued into Akbar's inter-religious debates and the establishment of his secular religion, 'Din Illahi'. Even today, if one watches interviews with Arnab Goswami on Republic TV or the numerous pattimandrams (debates) on TV from Tamil Nadu, one can appreciate that the culture of sparring of words is very much alive. Pattimandrams viewed on Tamil TV are recordings of the numerous lively debates recorded in various towns around Tamil Nadu and overseas locations with a significant Tamil diaspora. Their practical topics involve daily dilemmas like 'who leads the family? Is it the father or mother' or 'has the nuclear family concept destroyed family bonds'. They are hugely popular; some speakers make a living from the weekly appearances. And the number of attendees is phenomenal.
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An Indian debate on Arnab's Republic TV
18 fellows talking at the same time! |
The argumentative nature of Indians probably spurred the desire to prove a point and crush the ignoramus.
Amazingly, there are so many versions of calendars within India. Some are solar-based, whilst others combine lunar and solar cycles. The puzzling thing is that they had corrected all the errors that modern calendars recently rectified. Its accuracy is mind-boggling.
There is a certain thinking that the time is now to reclaim their past glory. For far too long, Indians and their way of life have been sneered at. Indians have been pushovers thus far. With renewed resurgence armed with education, dedication and the zest to succeed, these argumentative Indians are returning with a bang.
(P.S. It seems that there is a Bro-Code, as an Indian Opposition MP, Rahul Gandhi of the former First Family of India, found out the hard way. An Indian can run down his country how much he wants, but only within the confines of his country. Outside his country, it is a no-no.)
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