The following reflections are my thoughts and processing of the information presented in The History of India by John McLeod, and how this knowledge will effect my travels in the country.
Ancient Indian history shows the religious roots of the country– The religions that formed, grew, died, competed, and transformed in this region have a reverberating effect on contemporary religious practice in India, as well as social and political life. Ancient Indian history shows us how the major religions of India today (Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Buddhism . . . ) were brought about in the area. Although each religion has had its own unique effect on India, overall the amount of religious activity shows how spiritually charged this area is, and in a diverse way. Recognizing the magnitude of time that these various, tangled roots of religion have been established for can help me respect and understand their prevalence in contemporary India. Having background knowledge in the ancient relations between these religions can help me make sense of current divisions and evolutions of their practice. Because of how much religion has historically affected all aspects of life, having a knowledge of this can also help me see how social and political norms were founded and are evolving contemporarily. Honoring that the conflict and compromise of these different spiritual paths have been playing out for centuries can help me grapple with how deep-seated of a role faith has to play in India today.
Akbar’s rule in the Mughal era influenced much change in the region, including a considerably more general religious tolerance, but specifically it changed the process of political power in an economic sense, by his powerful enforcement of taxation. The economic power established in the Mughal era influenced the future political role India would take globally. Additionally, This stimulated agricultural production and generated funds for many intellectual and artistic pursuits. The rulers of the Mughal era contributed much ornate architecture to India– much of which is still standing today (the taj, the red fort, the golden temple and Amritsar, and more). Understanding the historical significance of these buildings and bringing that awareness to my consciousness when visiting them will deepen my appreciation for these structures beyond aesthetic appeal, to include cultural significance and the mark of time.
Although Britain colonized India for reasons beyond economic gain, their economic intentions for intervening politically accelerated urbanization and industrialization profoundly. The transfiguration of the economy and changing supply and demand markets to be more export-based lead to increased wealth– but for specific merchants and Europeans, hindering well-being and financial security on a more local level. Indians were being taxed and that money was flowing directly to British officials. This wasn’t the only type of inequality being enflamed by the British rule– English higher education was provided for a tiny portion of the Indian population, giving them a social upper hand, while laborers worked on British plantations for minimal wages. Although much of India’s technological and economic advancement can be attributed to the British rule, so can the continued, extreme inequality it perpetuated. Being aware of where India is at in terms of “developing” and why will be important to keep in mind while studying there, and to keep in check the privilege I have while spending time in a country so polarized by the effects of imperialism.
During the struggle for independence, India had a hard time uniting as a nation because differing desires and needs among religious groups. In fighting for national independence, the divide between Hindus and Muslims was deepened and agitated. Questions about how the state would be rebuilt, who would have political power, how voting would work, what laws would be in effect, etc. all contributed to tension between these two groups, who were already dealing with mistreatment and fighting amongst each other. There is still tension between these religions, and it has brought about contemporary tragedy in the form of violence. Understanding that the tension between these religions goes beyond surface differences in faith is very important. While traveling, when I witness this religious divide, I will also know that it stems from political conflict and a historical imbalance of power between these groups in regards to territory, rights, and autonomy.
The political corruption that took place in the Nehru-Gandhi dynastic period is very important to be aware of when looking at contemporary Indian politics (mostly because this dynastic period was not very long ago at all). By basing political leaders’ merit solely off of their bloodline (not experience or ability or representation of the people), this era shows how elections and other civic procedures were really just for show. In my eyes, this brings into question what kind of democracy India is really running today, and regardless of that reality, justifies any skepticism or apathy towards the government from the Indian people. No government is remotely close to being perfect or free from scandal and human vice, but while traveling in India it is important for me to know what lines India’s government has crossed, so as to not ignorantly assume it’s past and present iteration of democracy is the same as others I am familiar with. I am interested to hear from people I meet what their feelings are towards the government, and having this background knowledge will be necessary to engage in any political dialog.