1) Describe an aspect of ancient Indian history that is likely to have continuing relevance in contemporary India. How might your time in India benefit from having some awareness of this period of Indian history?
The most significant detail about ancient Indian history is the initial appearance of the Rig Veda, a collection of 1,028 hymns, ballads, poems, and songs. This collection functioned as a form of oral history to be passed down through generations in order to provide insight and instructions into the way of maintaining a virtuous lifestyle. This medium of scripture (or oral storytelling, in the case of the Rig Veda) provided guidance to all members of society, yet was managed and distributed by designated, ‘divine’ individual, a pattern that persists in India today. Buddhist teachings were next to join the Rig Veda, with emphasis on karmic reincarnation and enlightenment. This mindset was popular as its themes were already familiar with that of the Rig Veda. In this way, religion has always been an integral part of how society is structured, and how everyday practices are organized with a common understanding of wellbeing and collective betterment in mind. It is also important to understand the relevance that Islam has had in the history of ancient India. During our stay, I imagine we’ll explore these ideas for ourselves.
2) Describe an aspect of Mughal-era India that is likely to have continuing relevance in contemporary India. How might your time in India benefit from having some awareness of this period of Indian history?
While reading about this era, the intersection of religions really stood out to me. I was surprised to see that Akbar, a Muslim king, hosted meetings to promote debates about Islamic theology. Bringing in Jain, Hindu, Jesuit, and Zoroastrian teachers to throw ideas around, he explored what many rulers would rather suppress. Fostering the belief that multiple religions could be valid and exist in the same region of the world at the same time, Akbar was promoting something revolutionary. Bringing this awareness into our travels, we can explore the diverse intersections of the religious practices, cultures, and communities that have persisted in India for hundreds of years.
3) Describe an aspect of British-era India that is likely to have continuing relevance in contemporary India. How might your time in India benefit from having some awareness of this period of Indian history?
The recurring theme of external corporations coming into India with uneducated or culturally insensitive workers, exploiting resources, and manipulating profit distribution is one that has plagued the country since the time of British and French era India. This process essentially disrupts the economy and forces Indian workers into a debt that is nearly inconceivable to get out of. I’ve spoken with PeaceCorps representatives who reflected on this exact phenomenon- the majority of the program they attended (in India) quit several weeks into the trip once they realized the amounts of exploitation and damage they were causing to rural families. I see this as a trend primarily in agriculture, though I’d like to learn which other industries are affected by this as well.
4) Describe an aspect of the struggle for national independence that is likely to have continuing relevance in contemporary India. How might your time in India benefit from having some awareness of this period of Indian history?
In the early 1900s, ideas of strengthening a sense of Indian nationalism emerged. With this, came a resurgence of political empowerment, a reworking of taxes and spending, and the establishment of local government boards- all powered by the people, for the people. The Indian National Congress emerged to discuss the means of bringing pressure to the government and organize reforms. What began as a movement of protests soon became ridden with violence.
Gandhi introduced the theme of ‘satyagraha,’ or “the insistence on truth” as a method of rebellion and reform. This philosophy carried forward the struggle for independence. ‘Swaraj,’ or self-control was another persistent theme in the movement- emphasizing the notions of individual focus and wellbeing rather than cultivating a collective, riotous energy. I expect these themes are still prevalent in social movements and uprisings that we will encounter in India during our trip.
5) Describe an aspect of the Nehru-Gandhi dynastic period that is likely to have continuing relevance in contemporary India. How might awareness of this period of Indian history?
During the Nehru-Gandhi dynastic period, the use of nonviolent activism united and propelled the entire independence movement. Coining the phrase, “Quit India,” the two activists lead citizens in acts of civil disobedience, demonstrations and boycotts that would shape the restructuring of power across the nation. Taking money out of big British corporations and institutions; making a point of supporting the Indian economy instead eventually undermined the control of the British. This approach to initiating change reflects the will of Indian society. The tendencies to use routes of nonviolence to bring about power shifts and policy changes is still common in contemporary India.