1. Relations between ancient Indian history and contemporary India
Continuing to be a significant determiner in the socioeconomic conditions of modern Indians, the caste system lies in the foundation of ancient Indian culture and religious belief. Mcleod asserts that the caste system arose out of the merging of the Aryan vernas and jatis. In Aryan society, vernas comprised the four hierarchical categories of persons (priests, warriors, peasants, and non-Aryans) while jatis described categories of people related by blood (Mcleod 26). Moving from north India and beyond between 1000 and 550 BCE, these two systems molded together to form the caste system in which groups were ranked by caste. Outlined in the famous poem, Mahabharata, exists the ancient belief that God has assigned different duties to different people and that “ [t]he main factor in determining one’s function is caste” (Mcleod 26). Additionally, the Muslim rulership seemed to strengthen the caste system. Since the Muslim sultanates generally left Hindu territories to oversee themselves, different castes performed delegated duties to keep their society in order (Mcleod 43). This further ranked and differentiated the castes. While the caste system of ancient India significantly differs from the contemporary caste system, the modern castes reflect deep-seated beliefs and structures of ancient India. Maintaining an awareness of the history of the caste system, which stretches back thousands of years, will enable a greater and more dynamic understanding of it. This system, which enables many problematic and inhumane consequences, is much more complex than groups of people having privilege over others, but rather a product of thousands of years of history and is a huge part of Indian society.
2. Relations between the Mughal-era and contemporary India
Stretching from the Mughal dynasty to contemporary India, the arts and creativity that were fueled by Mughal leaders permeate modern day. Many of these leaders intensified artistic interest and religious debates during this era for different motives. During Akbar’s reign, this leader sought to create a Mughal “dynastic ideology” (Mcleod 51) through the belief that him and his descendants were the chosen rulers by God. In his attempts to solidity this ideology, he destabilized Islamic theology, lifted restrictions on non-Muslims, and “spent lavishly on architects, poets, dancers, and musicians” (Mcleod 52). Akbar’s actions, which were aimed at political self-interest, contribute to contemporary Indian art and culture, such as the creation classical North Indian music. Another Mughal leader who contributed to the artistry of modern India is Shah Jahan, the famous creator of the Taj Mahal (Mcleod 54). As a monument to his dead wife, the Taj Mahal is an infamous icon of Indian culture and history. Awareness of the history behind Indian architecture, art forms, and creative rituals provides a much richer understanding of and appreciation for the significance of these cultural symbols. For example, classical North Indian music is not just a cultural tradition, but a product of religious eclecticism, political power, and the dynamic Mughal dynasty.
3. Relations between British-era India and contemporary India
The colonization of India by Great Britain represents a huge transformation in Indian history and has greatly contributed to the structure of modern India. In an attempt to “save” the “backwards” Indian people, Britain instigated significant changes to the economy, social structure, and ideals of India. The company created a new legal system that undermined how Hindus traditionally governed, focusing instead on western principles of liberal theory (Mcleod 78). This blended Indian and British law, as seen in contemporary Indian politics and justice. British rule ignited mass industrialization that resulted in the assimilation of tribals and nomads into society because of commercial logging (Mcleod 76), and introduced railways and other modern technologies to the nation(Mcleod 80). Mass industrialization significantly affects India today and reflects British policies. Another lasting consequence of British rule came from the subsidization of English school and higher education in place of traditional languages like Persian or Sanskrit. This perpetuated a hierarchy between elite English speaking Indians and their lower non-English speaking counterparts (Mcleod 84). However, the preoccupation with English did provide Indians with a uniting tongue that is still widely spoken there today. It is hugely important to understand the historical relations between India and its colonizer since the consequences of that time are still economically, culturally, politically, and ideologically alive today.
4. Relations between the struggle for independence and contemporary India
Continuously relevant to the identity of contemporary India, Mahatma Gandhi greatly contributed to the struggle against British rule and became a national symbol of Indian independence. Gandhi based his resistance movement on the philosophy that an ultimate truth exists in the world. He encouraged nonviolence, self-sufficiency, renunciation of material desires, and acceptance of all sexes, races, and religions as the means to obtaining this truth (Mcleod 105). He called this resistance satyagraha, based on resolving conflict without violence. Under Gandhi’s satyagraha, movements erupted that nonviolently combated British rule through civil-disobedience, non-cooperation, and economic resistance. As a frequent member of congress, Gandhi was imprisoned a number of times for his encouragement of lawbreaking, such as boycotting the salt tax (Mcleod 113). Even though his satyagraha was not the leading cause for India’s independence, Gandhi mobilized the Indian masses behind his movement of nonviolence and became a global icon of acceptance, civil-disobedience, and social action. Having an awareness of Gandhi’s influence on Indian society and identity will be important as we attempt to learn and immerse ourselves in Indian culture. I am interested in Gandhi’s continuing influence on the Indian identity.
5. Relations between Nehru-Gandhi dynastic period and contemporary India
Emerging out of the corruption and fall of the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty, the creation of the BJP, or the Indian People’s Party in 1980 has relevance in contemporary Indian politics. According to Mcleod, the party’s foundation was based on Hindu nationalism and turning India into an industrialized world power through a unity behind Hindu culture. Under these principles, the BJP encouraged “the abandonment of Congress’s version of “secularism,” which by giving official recognition to the special interests of non-Hindus undermines India” (Mcleod 170). While the BJP holds many none conservative views, such as abandonment of the traditional caste system, it works to override religious minorities, such as Muslim nationalism. The BJP is especially relevant to India today since Prime Minister Narendra Modi belongs to this party and has been criticized for having anti-Islamic policies. Additionally, the principles of the BJP may continue to provoke tension between Indian Hindus and Muslims.