In the History of India, John Mcleod begins by describing the different aspects of ancient Indian history that led to many modern religious and cultural practices. The Aryans were an important part of ancient Indian history and they are likely to have continuing relevance in contemporary India. The Aryans dominated northwestern India after the Harappan urban civilizations and their influence spread eastward across the Gangetic plain. The Aryans’ influence can still be seen in contemporary India in the caste system, which is thought to have derived from the Varnas. The Varnas were the four categories of ancient Aryan society. People were split up based on ranking and their occupation. Though the caste system differs in many ways, there is a theory that the caste system was a way for the Aryans to have supremacy over the other Indians. Awareness of this period of Indian history is important because it explains how India began and how one of biggest divisions in Indian society (the caste system) came to be.
During the Mughal-era, many different leaders supported the arts to further their religious or personal interests. Artistic influence began during Akbar’s rule. Aspects of Indian art was influenced by European and Iranian art. Jahangir encouraged artists to experiment and he oversaw the creation of what is now called the Mughal style. Shah Jahan’s interest in architecture is another example of how leaders during the Mughal-era supported the arts. Shah built the Taj Mahal after his wife died during childbirth. The creation of this building illustrated his Muslim faith and love for art. He also oversaw the construction of Old Delhi. Additionally, Aurangzeb supported architects and intellectuals whose work demonstrated Islamic faith. For example, he supported the construction of the Pearl Mosque and Imperial Mosque. The knowledge of the different influences behind the arts of this time period sheds lights on the history of certain styles and their ties to religion and other cultures. Art is an important part of society, as it tells a story unique to its time of creation. I imagine it will be interesting to see these buildings and different paintings from this time period and imagine the different cultural and religious influences that led to its creation.
It is undeniable that past British rule in India will have continuing relevance in India today. A few things that I found particularly interesting about this time period were the divisions but also the unity that was created. The British were often culturally and religiously insensitive. Over time British rule united all Indians under a common history. Higher education was offered in English which established the idea of the English speaking elite. This created divisions within India but it also created unity over a common language that is spoken widely around India. One of the most significant long lasting divisions that began during the British-era was that of Islam and Hinduism. Identities started to shift as communication capabilities improved and education became more accessible. Reformist organizations became more prominent and movements to reform religion and society to eliminate wrong practices and beliefs surfaced. As a result religious divisions intensified. The division between Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs became more prominent. Awareness of the British-era is important because it begins to explain how the division between Muslims, Hindus and Sikhs started. This division is what led to the creation of Pakistan. India is diverse in religion, culture and identity. Being aware of the history and origins of this diversity will be important in creating understanding and learning while we are in India.
Mahatma Gandhi was an important aspect of the struggle for national independence and will have continuing relevance in contemporary India. Mahatma Gandhi played an important role in shaping India and taking part in the struggle for national independence. All of Gandhi’s actions were based on his belief that our goal is to search for the truth. Gandhi believed in the power of nonviolence and self-control. He was Hindu, and he worked closely with well-known Muslims in an effort to unite India’s main religious communities. Gandhi believed that British rule was unjust and this drove him to formally dive into politics. He started a movement to encourage noncooperation with British rule but it was unsuccessful. Gandhi worked to reconstruct ideas in society of untouchables, became a part of Congress, participated in the Round table Conference and encouraged all Indians to defy British rule through nonviolent means. Gandhi was imprisoned on multiple occasions, and his actions were never the leading cause for the creation of an independent state. However, he was influential during this time period because he was such a well known figure in India, and still is today. Awareness of Gandhi’s influence during this time period is important because of his lasting influence not just in India but in other countries like the United States. Gandhi’s mentality towards violence and life are words that are well known and present in western society. It will be interesting to see what type of influence Gandhi has in India today.
An aspect of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty that is likely to have continuing relevance in contemporary India is the presence of a powerful woman in office. Indira Gandhi was put in the position of Prime Minister of India because member’s parliament thought she would be easy to manipulate, though this was not the case. She ruled for years and proved to be decisive and could out maneuver the other politicians that tried to take away her power. Her rule proved to problematic for a few reasons. She obsessed with having members of her cabinet be loyal over qualified for the positions she was hiring for. This caused her to have few people she could turn to for advice on policies and political moves. I was particularly interested in her decision to begin sterilizing men in an effort to control the population. I wonder if sterilization of men instead of women was only during her reign or if this continued after she was out of power. Indira Gandhi was the first female political figure that help important influence and power in India. It will be interesting to see if Indira Gandhi is still recognized and if her political moves have impacted modern India.