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The Great Hindu Civilisation: Achievement, Neglect, Bias and the Way Forward
BRILLIANTLY ARGUED, HARD-HITTING AND WISE, THIS BOOK IS AN ESSENTIAL TREATISE FOR OUR TIMES.
‘The fact that a great Hindu civilisation existed, and continues to exist, is not in doubt. It is marked by great antiquity, substantial—even unprecedented—refinements, audacity of thought, and achievements both in the spiritual and secular realms. This does not mean it is unblemished, and objectivity demands that the blemishes too must be taken into account. Nor does it mean that it evolved in an insular silo or untouched by outside influences. On the contrary. And yet, this intermingling has not diluted or erased its essential identity as a verifiable civilisation. Unlike many other great civilisations of the past, the Hindu civilisation has not become a historical relic, an antiquary of the past, but has survived as an unbroken continuum to the present.
‘It is important to know more about this civilisation, most of all for Hindus themselves. The civilisation faces a rather unfortunate paradox. On the one hand, it is notable for its resilience and continuity, and its spillover into every aspect of a Hindu’s life; and, on the other, Hindus themselves show little real curiosity or interest in knowing more about it. This indifference is a matter of concern, not least because, if Hindus do not know about their own civilisational legacy, their authenticity as Hindus—based on knowledge—is stunted and reduced to ritualistic tokenism.’ —from the Introduction
‘The fact that a great Hindu civilisation existed, and continues to exist, is not in doubt. It is marked by great antiquity, substantial—even unprecedented—refinements, audacity of thought, and achievements both in the spiritual and secular realms. This does not mean it is unblemished, and objectivity demands that the blemishes too must be taken into account. Nor does it mean that it evolved in an insular silo or untouched by outside influences. On the contrary. And yet, this intermingling has not diluted or erased its essential identity as a verifiable civilisation. Unlike many other great civilisations of the past, the Hindu civilisation has not become a historical relic, an antiquary of the past, but has survived as an unbroken continuum to the present.
‘It is important to know more about this civilisation, most of all for Hindus themselves. The civilisation faces a rather unfortunate paradox. On the one hand, it is notable for its resilience and continuity, and its spillover into every aspect of a Hindu’s life; and, on the other, Hindus themselves show little real curiosity or interest in knowing more about it. This indifference is a matter of concern, not least because, if Hindus do not know about their own civilisational legacy, their authenticity as Hindus—based on knowledge—is stunted and reduced to ritualistic tokenism.’ —from the Introduction
375 pages, Kindle Edition
Published August 9, 2021
32 people are currently reading
234 people want to read
About the author
Pavan K. Varma
33 books89 followersPavan K. Varma is a former Indian Foreign Service officer and was an adviser to the Chief Minister of Bihar, Nitish Kumar, with cabinet rank. With effect from June, 2014 he was a Member of Parliament (Rajya Sabha) until July 2016. He is currently the National General Secretary and National Spokesman of the Janata Dal (United).
Varma is a graduate of St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi where he studied History (Honours) and received the first position. He was President of the St. Stephen’s College Debating Society as well as the star debater and elocutionist of the University of Delhi. He also won the Sir CP Ramaswamy Aiyar Memorial Essay Prize at St. Stephen’s. Subsequently, he acquired a degree in Law from the University of Delhi.
He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1976. His career as a diplomat has seen him serve in several locations, including New York and Moscow. In New York, he was with India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. His assignments in India include that of Press Secretary to the President of India, Spokesman in the Ministry of External Affairs, Joint Secretary for Africa and Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi.
Varma is a graduate of St. Stephen’s College, New Delhi where he studied History (Honours) and received the first position. He was President of the St. Stephen’s College Debating Society as well as the star debater and elocutionist of the University of Delhi. He also won the Sir CP Ramaswamy Aiyar Memorial Essay Prize at St. Stephen’s. Subsequently, he acquired a degree in Law from the University of Delhi.
He joined the Indian Foreign Service in 1976. His career as a diplomat has seen him serve in several locations, including New York and Moscow. In New York, he was with India’s Permanent Mission to the United Nations. His assignments in India include that of Press Secretary to the President of India, Spokesman in the Ministry of External Affairs, Joint Secretary for Africa and Director General of the Indian Council for Cultural Relations, New Delhi.
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Displaying 1 - 15 of 15 reviews
December 27, 2021
Hindu Dharma are facing onslaught from four sides -
# rampant and cunning proselytizing from christian missionaries
# varieties of jihad from islam
# secularism (appeasement of minorities) from Govt.
# fascism from left-liberal cabal
Hindus are becoming paralyzed in these fronts due to lack of knowledge of their ancient civilization. Secularism prevents all schools, except minorities, from conveying knowledge of Ramayan, Mahabharat, Dharma Shastra, Bhagavad Geeta etc. to students. Ignorant parents can't provide answer to Gen Z's whys. Being 'Macaulay putra / putri' (product of Macaulayite education) is still gate pass for glamorous career. In this scenario, author has done a splendid work.
In this book, author tries to "rebut arguments that question the existence of Hindu civilization". Author discusses "philosophical, cultural, social, political, scientific" aspect of Hindu civilization. Lastly, author describes way forward and what Hindu Renaissance should be.
The flow of the book is impressive. First chapter "Hindu civilization - myth or reality?", refutes concept of "...there is not, and never was an India" (John Stratchey). The flagbearers of this school are Nehru, Amartya Sen, Romila Thapar, Irfan Habib, Pollock and Doniger.
Reading will become hair-raising from chapter 2 (audacity of thought) and 3 (realm of ideas). These two chapters expose readers to grandiose of the Hindu civilization. Discussion about six types of school such as Vedanta, Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Purva and Uttar Mimansha, Patanjal, Charvak, Buddhism and Jainism, Vishist Advaita, Bhakti tradition and so on. Excellent explanation about colossal concept behind ritualistic worshiping of Devis and Devatas is worth of repeated reading.
Chapter 3 delineates monumental thoughts and ideas behind rasas, art, music, form of dances, architecture, literature, education, cosmology, industry and arthashastra (economy). Discussion on four 'purusharthas' is very interesting. Hindu civilization was never life-negating and also not hedonistic.
Chapter 4 (islamic conquest) and 5 (british rule and its aftermaths) are all about physical and psychological slaughtering of this great ancient, but still breathing and living, civilization. Islam gave deadly blows by butchering, plundering and demolishing ethos by squashing temples and beloved murthis of Hindus. However, civilization fought back with unique Bhakti movement of Shri Chaitanya, Meera Bai, Namdev, Tukaram, Samartha Ramdas, Basavana, Allama Prabhu, Nayanars, Alvars and other eminent saints from all over Bharatvarsha.
Chapter 5 gives glimpse of hypnotizing of brutish (British) education and culture. Still Indians are suffering from colonization and moronization of mind and intellect. The process of devastation of "Hindu consciousness and self-esteem" is painful to read. The role played by Raja Rammohan Roy, Arya and Bramha Samaj is worth reading. British did not leave art also from their influence. How a generation's taste of music and art can be changed through deculurization is described well here. To annihilate a culture, conquerors attack on its language and art. Rest will fall like house of cards.
Last chapter 6 is quite disappointing. It just spoils entire mood of the journey. In the name of Hindu renaissance, author put blames on Hinduvta movement of BJP and Narendra Modi. It is politically motivated. In spite of describing muslim atrocities, he still harping of Hindu-Muslim fraternity. He highlighted cow-lynching brigade, but cleverly suppresses Delhi riot, issue of love jehad, murder of Kamlesh Tiwari, Ankit Sharma, Ankit Saxena... the list is endless. It is highly unexpected such a botched-up finishing from such a high-caliber author. Author may refrain from doing this injustice to readers.
Though this book deserves five-star rating due to painstaking research, but due to last chapter, it is worthy of only three star. First five chapters of book is really illuminating and one can build arguments for defending existence of Hindu civilization.
# rampant and cunning proselytizing from christian missionaries
# varieties of jihad from islam
# secularism (appeasement of minorities) from Govt.
# fascism from left-liberal cabal
Hindus are becoming paralyzed in these fronts due to lack of knowledge of their ancient civilization. Secularism prevents all schools, except minorities, from conveying knowledge of Ramayan, Mahabharat, Dharma Shastra, Bhagavad Geeta etc. to students. Ignorant parents can't provide answer to Gen Z's whys. Being 'Macaulay putra / putri' (product of Macaulayite education) is still gate pass for glamorous career. In this scenario, author has done a splendid work.
In this book, author tries to "rebut arguments that question the existence of Hindu civilization". Author discusses "philosophical, cultural, social, political, scientific" aspect of Hindu civilization. Lastly, author describes way forward and what Hindu Renaissance should be.
The flow of the book is impressive. First chapter "Hindu civilization - myth or reality?", refutes concept of "...there is not, and never was an India" (John Stratchey). The flagbearers of this school are Nehru, Amartya Sen, Romila Thapar, Irfan Habib, Pollock and Doniger.
Reading will become hair-raising from chapter 2 (audacity of thought) and 3 (realm of ideas). These two chapters expose readers to grandiose of the Hindu civilization. Discussion about six types of school such as Vedanta, Sankhya, Nyaya, Vaisheshika, Purva and Uttar Mimansha, Patanjal, Charvak, Buddhism and Jainism, Vishist Advaita, Bhakti tradition and so on. Excellent explanation about colossal concept behind ritualistic worshiping of Devis and Devatas is worth of repeated reading.
Chapter 3 delineates monumental thoughts and ideas behind rasas, art, music, form of dances, architecture, literature, education, cosmology, industry and arthashastra (economy). Discussion on four 'purusharthas' is very interesting. Hindu civilization was never life-negating and also not hedonistic.
Chapter 4 (islamic conquest) and 5 (british rule and its aftermaths) are all about physical and psychological slaughtering of this great ancient, but still breathing and living, civilization. Islam gave deadly blows by butchering, plundering and demolishing ethos by squashing temples and beloved murthis of Hindus. However, civilization fought back with unique Bhakti movement of Shri Chaitanya, Meera Bai, Namdev, Tukaram, Samartha Ramdas, Basavana, Allama Prabhu, Nayanars, Alvars and other eminent saints from all over Bharatvarsha.
Chapter 5 gives glimpse of hypnotizing of brutish (British) education and culture. Still Indians are suffering from colonization and moronization of mind and intellect. The process of devastation of "Hindu consciousness and self-esteem" is painful to read. The role played by Raja Rammohan Roy, Arya and Bramha Samaj is worth reading. British did not leave art also from their influence. How a generation's taste of music and art can be changed through deculurization is described well here. To annihilate a culture, conquerors attack on its language and art. Rest will fall like house of cards.
Last chapter 6 is quite disappointing. It just spoils entire mood of the journey. In the name of Hindu renaissance, author put blames on Hinduvta movement of BJP and Narendra Modi. It is politically motivated. In spite of describing muslim atrocities, he still harping of Hindu-Muslim fraternity. He highlighted cow-lynching brigade, but cleverly suppresses Delhi riot, issue of love jehad, murder of Kamlesh Tiwari, Ankit Sharma, Ankit Saxena... the list is endless. It is highly unexpected such a botched-up finishing from such a high-caliber author. Author may refrain from doing this injustice to readers.
Though this book deserves five-star rating due to painstaking research, but due to last chapter, it is worthy of only three star. First five chapters of book is really illuminating and one can build arguments for defending existence of Hindu civilization.
November 18, 2021
A passionately argued book in which Varma attempts to prove what’s asserted in the title. He brings an eclecticism of spirit and an appealing decency—amply evident in his vocal, clear-eyed denunciation of today’s Hindutva politics led by a “lumpen class” that he sees as representing a real crisis for Hinduism. He deserves credit for standing up against them and for championing deliberative, liberal, and tolerant ideals that he sees as foundational to Hinduism from its earliest days. He is also insightful in discussing the ‘colonisation of the mind’ that occurred in India under British rule.
Unfortunately, Varma subscribes to a flawed and blinkered vision of early India. He equates early Indian civilization with Hindu civilization, which is deeply problematic (see last para too). He achieves this feat by collapsing all the wide differences, conflicts, and diversity of ancient Indian belief systems into ‘Hinduism’. Additionally, he displays a fond, proud, upper-caste idea of early Hinduism based largely on Brahminical texts, which are sanitized in Varma’s reading and selectively quoted. He doesn’t seem to realize that only a minority in ancient India—one invested in Vedic Brahminism and allied modes of religiosity—can be called adherents of Hinduism, while the majority either rejected it outright, found themselves too lowly and barred from discovering its loftiness of spirit, or remained mostly unaware of it while pursuing older folk/animistic religions.
Varma is averse to academic historians he considers leftist, whom he caricatures and calls “Hindu phobic”. Instead, he approves of many right-wing “historians” whom he quotes often, such as Rajiv Malhotra, Amish Tripathi, Michel Danino, and Sanjeev Sanyal. He uncritically cites Sita Ram Goel, known for his vastly inflated lists of atrocities by Turko-Persian invaders, and dismisses scholars like Richard Eaton on the same topic. Varma can be insightful on specific texts but it’s surprising how uncritical, unscholarly, and oblivious to the lived social history of Hinduism he can be. Unable to sift through the evidence on the Aryan Migration Theory, he ends up doing a weird ‘both sides’ dance. Nor is he above the silliness of claiming that modern science is validating this-or-that ancient Hindu belief, such as the concept of circular time. Pop theories about “the Hindu mind” abound. We’re told that Hindus had achieved great artistic expression at a time “when in many parts of the world people had not yet come down from trees.”
Among the few academic historians that Varma often cites approvingly is Upinder Singh, so it’s worth citing a passage from her new book, Ancient India: Culture of Contradictions, which stands in sharp contrast to Varma’s flawed vision of early India: “A slippage that often takes place when talking about ancient India is to consider it equivalent to Hindu India. This is inaccurate, not only because of the internal complexities within Hinduism but also because of the existence of diverse religious and philosophical traditions. Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism were the most important ancient religions, but there were many religious beliefs and practices that cut across traditions or defy classification. The vast forest tracts were inhabited by tribal communities who had their own distinctive cultural identities and practices.” Academic historians tend to be wary of popular history writers, and Varma’s take on early India illustrates why.
Unfortunately, Varma subscribes to a flawed and blinkered vision of early India. He equates early Indian civilization with Hindu civilization, which is deeply problematic (see last para too). He achieves this feat by collapsing all the wide differences, conflicts, and diversity of ancient Indian belief systems into ‘Hinduism’. Additionally, he displays a fond, proud, upper-caste idea of early Hinduism based largely on Brahminical texts, which are sanitized in Varma’s reading and selectively quoted. He doesn’t seem to realize that only a minority in ancient India—one invested in Vedic Brahminism and allied modes of religiosity—can be called adherents of Hinduism, while the majority either rejected it outright, found themselves too lowly and barred from discovering its loftiness of spirit, or remained mostly unaware of it while pursuing older folk/animistic religions.
Varma is averse to academic historians he considers leftist, whom he caricatures and calls “Hindu phobic”. Instead, he approves of many right-wing “historians” whom he quotes often, such as Rajiv Malhotra, Amish Tripathi, Michel Danino, and Sanjeev Sanyal. He uncritically cites Sita Ram Goel, known for his vastly inflated lists of atrocities by Turko-Persian invaders, and dismisses scholars like Richard Eaton on the same topic. Varma can be insightful on specific texts but it’s surprising how uncritical, unscholarly, and oblivious to the lived social history of Hinduism he can be. Unable to sift through the evidence on the Aryan Migration Theory, he ends up doing a weird ‘both sides’ dance. Nor is he above the silliness of claiming that modern science is validating this-or-that ancient Hindu belief, such as the concept of circular time. Pop theories about “the Hindu mind” abound. We’re told that Hindus had achieved great artistic expression at a time “when in many parts of the world people had not yet come down from trees.”
Among the few academic historians that Varma often cites approvingly is Upinder Singh, so it’s worth citing a passage from her new book, Ancient India: Culture of Contradictions, which stands in sharp contrast to Varma’s flawed vision of early India: “A slippage that often takes place when talking about ancient India is to consider it equivalent to Hindu India. This is inaccurate, not only because of the internal complexities within Hinduism but also because of the existence of diverse religious and philosophical traditions. Hinduism, Jainism, and Buddhism were the most important ancient religions, but there were many religious beliefs and practices that cut across traditions or defy classification. The vast forest tracts were inhabited by tribal communities who had their own distinctive cultural identities and practices.” Academic historians tend to be wary of popular history writers, and Varma’s take on early India illustrates why.
February 19, 2022
According to the author, the civilization of India should be called Hindu civilization - which he considers eternal. In support of his view, the author has used Hindu religious texts- Vedas, Upanishads etc.and considers Buddhism and Jainism only as branches. Along with this, the author has given the most emphasis on how left-wing writers, colonial writers, western so-called scholars have launched a conspiratorial campaign to tarnish conspiring against this largest and oldest civilizatio. He explains many misconceptions have become prevalent about religion and civilization.Author's gaze is completely focused on the cerebral underpinnings and is oblivious of the beliefs of the masses. The purpose of the author is to establish through this book that Hindu civilization is the civilization of India, Hindu philosophy and art are the oldest and best, the contribution of external forces (English, Mughal etc.) is negligible and destructive - and This truth cannot be denied due to some political reasons and the conspiracy of so called intellectuals.
My review:
Good things about the book:
• Brief but complete description of Hindu philosophy
• Agree with the theory of Aryan migration
• Influence of Hindu Philosophy on Indian Art
Some drawbacks of the book:
• Absence of any new logic or facts
• Scientific justifications of religious beliefs
• Ignoring the contradiction between the philosophy of Hinduism and its social form
My review:
Good things about the book:
• Brief but complete description of Hindu philosophy
• Agree with the theory of Aryan migration
• Influence of Hindu Philosophy on Indian Art
Some drawbacks of the book:
• Absence of any new logic or facts
• Scientific justifications of religious beliefs
• Ignoring the contradiction between the philosophy of Hinduism and its social form
July 18, 2022
One of the most beautiful books that I have read this year. Or, ever! ❤️
February 19, 2022
The Hindu civilisation has not become a historical relic, an antiquary of the past, but has survived as an unbroken continuum to the present. However, Hindus show little real curiosity or interest in knowing more about it.
The book talks about, and mentions, several thinkers, seers, and authors including Kalidasa, Thiruvalluvar, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, Adi Shankaracharya, Chandragupta Maurya, Panini, Brihaspati, Aryabhata I, Brahmagupta, Sushruta, etc. It also details the Bhakti movement which spread pan-India. It also talks about ancient India's contribution in almost all fields from medicine to mathematics and from literature to philosophy.
The ingrained hostility to India's Hindu civilisation also stems from the ill-informed claim that this is essential to preserve the nation's secular fabric. In reality, the so-called 'integrationists' are exclusionists who want to obliterate from public memory and historical appreciation the legitimate analysis of a long and identifiable part of our history.
There are many Hindu rituals which clearly indicate pan-Indian consciousness, including only Namboodiris from Kerala are to be priests at Badrinath, and every Diwali the sari for the idol at Amba at Kolhapur comes from the Lord at Tirupati.
The book is a fascinating read about the history of Hindus / Hinduism from time immemorial to the present day, and the challenges it faces for its survival and continuation in the future.
For Hinduism, the world is one family - Vasudhaiva Kutumbukam. The saying - Anno bhadra kritavo yantu vishvataha - let good thoughts flow to us from all directions - is engraved at the entrance of India's Parliament.
The greatness of the Gita is that it enabled Krishna, through his discourse, to give purpose and meaning to the existential predicament of people like Arjuna.
The book also details the destruction and decay in arts & culture that the Mughals wrought in India. They destroyed Hindu temples with impunity, actively encouraged conversions, put curbs on poetry, music, and dancers. The Somnath Temple had also been repeatedly razed to the ground. Rebuilding it was emotionally important for Hindus.
This was a good read with lots of points to ponder over and read more about.
The book talks about, and mentions, several thinkers, seers, and authors including Kalidasa, Thiruvalluvar, the Mahabharata, the Ramayana, Adi Shankaracharya, Chandragupta Maurya, Panini, Brihaspati, Aryabhata I, Brahmagupta, Sushruta, etc. It also details the Bhakti movement which spread pan-India. It also talks about ancient India's contribution in almost all fields from medicine to mathematics and from literature to philosophy.
The ingrained hostility to India's Hindu civilisation also stems from the ill-informed claim that this is essential to preserve the nation's secular fabric. In reality, the so-called 'integrationists' are exclusionists who want to obliterate from public memory and historical appreciation the legitimate analysis of a long and identifiable part of our history.
There are many Hindu rituals which clearly indicate pan-Indian consciousness, including only Namboodiris from Kerala are to be priests at Badrinath, and every Diwali the sari for the idol at Amba at Kolhapur comes from the Lord at Tirupati.
The book is a fascinating read about the history of Hindus / Hinduism from time immemorial to the present day, and the challenges it faces for its survival and continuation in the future.
For Hinduism, the world is one family - Vasudhaiva Kutumbukam. The saying - Anno bhadra kritavo yantu vishvataha - let good thoughts flow to us from all directions - is engraved at the entrance of India's Parliament.
The greatness of the Gita is that it enabled Krishna, through his discourse, to give purpose and meaning to the existential predicament of people like Arjuna.
The book also details the destruction and decay in arts & culture that the Mughals wrought in India. They destroyed Hindu temples with impunity, actively encouraged conversions, put curbs on poetry, music, and dancers. The Somnath Temple had also been repeatedly razed to the ground. Rebuilding it was emotionally important for Hindus.
This was a good read with lots of points to ponder over and read more about.
December 21, 2021
An excellent book with great insight into some of the basic tenets of hinduism . A must read especially for the people annoyed by the over glorification of our past, discrimination and inequality prevalent, the intolerance practiced by the government etc . This book apart from aptly condemning the above inequalities and fantasies, also brings about why such things happen and what we can do to prevent them. The book starts with a rather familiar bias and exaggeration or positive projection of our past , and then progresses into its deterioration because of Islamic and British Invasion and concludes with the authors view on the way forward for its revival. The last two chapters about the British Invasion and the way forward for Hinduism is extremely well written . A short summary of the book can be as follows : Hinduism is a way of life more than a religion, and has contributed tremendously to the areas of spirituality, art, philosophy, astronomy etc . It is one of the most tolerant, non dogmatic religions that inherently accepts pluralism and multifaceted thought. We have had Jews, Parsis , Muslims , Buddhists , Jains etc living with us since 400 AD. However like other cultures Hinduism has had its fair share of demerits along the lines of social injustice and patriarchy. While these must be abolished at all costs , judging a culture just based on its demerits is not fair . This in fact leads to the dangerous polarization that we see today, where on one side people deny everything that Hindus have achieved while on the other side people fantasize and take credit for all achievements using our past . These fantasies fundamentally exist because there is an absence of genuine knowledge . We teach practically nothing about our past and this has to change to put an end to such nonsense. Hinduism is way more than just the strange rituals and temples we see in our everyday life. Unfortunately most of us are unaware of its six systems of philosophies, vedas, upanishads, different sects, it's inherent tendency to pluralism and universal acceptance. The book aptly draws the difference between cultural and communal, modern and western , passion and xenophobia. Overall it is a great read. It definitely opens up a new perspective about Hinduism and why there is a genuine need for its revival to put an end to the xenophobia, superstition and misunderstanding we see today.
October 27, 2021
An extremely valuable read. The book deeply fleshes out the case for the existence of a Hindu civilisation thriving in the Indian subcontinent and spanning millennia that continues today, and inspects the influences, external and internal, that have made it what it is.
I found the book most valuable for its discussion of Hindu history, and kept wondering how I hadn't learned of so many things before. While certainly influenced by the author's views, the book does an excellent job of presenting both the good and bad of history. Varma succinctly describes a myriad philosophies that make up Hinduism, bringing out the common roots for such diverse schools of thought. I also particularly enjoyed the commentary on the state of the arts in India through the ages, and what we can do to revive it. The discussion of the affects of British colonisation on the Indian mind was kinda harrowing, and left me with a strong and sudden realisation of what we as a civillisation have truly lost.
I can honestly say this book may have changed my life - leaving me with both greater pride in my culture, and curiosity to know more about it.
I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in the history and future of Hindu civilisation.
I found the book most valuable for its discussion of Hindu history, and kept wondering how I hadn't learned of so many things before. While certainly influenced by the author's views, the book does an excellent job of presenting both the good and bad of history. Varma succinctly describes a myriad philosophies that make up Hinduism, bringing out the common roots for such diverse schools of thought. I also particularly enjoyed the commentary on the state of the arts in India through the ages, and what we can do to revive it. The discussion of the affects of British colonisation on the Indian mind was kinda harrowing, and left me with a strong and sudden realisation of what we as a civillisation have truly lost.
I can honestly say this book may have changed my life - leaving me with both greater pride in my culture, and curiosity to know more about it.
I highly recommend the book for anyone interested in the history and future of Hindu civilisation.
October 8, 2021
Hindu Civilisation is the only standing ancient civilization of the world. It the oldest and everlasting civilisation. In this book Pavan Varma ji have chronologically described about the challenges that our Great Hindu Civilization faced from time to time. Book starts with the countering of the leftist ideology of calling Hindu civilization as 'myth'. The book also describes about the thoughts, aspirations, ideals and ideas of the Hindu civilisation in great description and facts. Further it mentions the successful struggle of Hindu Civilisation in the time of Islamic invasion of India, then under the Colonial British imperialism and later now in the modern democratic days. It provides eye opening arguments of the strength and greatness of the Hindu Civilisation.
October 7, 2022
Are we already a lost generation devoid of roots (land, language, culture, rituals and practices)? The next one can avoid this if we pass on our stories well.
An amazing journey through evidence and reason to showcase Hindu civilisation via philosophical enquiry, spiritual quest, religious practice and metaphysical analysis. Something intrinsically different in the way the Hindu civilisation was structured that made it survive when Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, Chinese civilisation have vanished. Was India Only an undivided land bound by nature and criss-crossed with places of pilgrimage from south to north, East to west? But then you have only Namboodiris from Kerala as priests at Badrinath, and every Diwali the sari for the idol at Amba at Kolhapur comes from the Lord at Tirupati.
Interesting to note is that the entire ELITE of the country is against Hindu civilisation because of Hindu phobia, colonial mindset but none of them can read Sanskrit or interpret ancient texts. Author takes head on the flagbearers of this school - Gurcharan Das, Nehru, Amartya Sen, Romila Thapar, Irfan Habib, Pollock and Doniger.
Hinduism's foundational emphasis is on intellectual deliberation (tark, tika, tippanis). Author takes you through the fascinating journey through the ancient scriptures , evolution of our sacred knowledge, various schools of thought, evolution of Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism. Buddhism added an interesting dimension to the existing Hindu philosophy on how to deal with sorrow - Nirvana (liberation from sorrow). Sanskrit was/is an evolved language - my not taking Sanskrit to the masses did we miss on greater good by restricting the reach to the repository of philosophy, art, architecture, classical music, dance, theatre, sculpture, painting, literature, pilgrimage, ritual and religious narratives, branches of natural sciences - medicine, botany, mathematics, engineering to few. Lot of insight into Upanishads, the Brahma Sutra and Bhagawad Gita. Apart from Advaita, the book introduces 5 other schools of philosophy Nyaya (deals with 4 sources of knowledge pratyaksha, anumana, upmana, shabda), Vaisheshika (material character is based on dominant one or vishesha), Sankhya (purush and Prakriti), Yoga (8 paths to restrain your mind yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi) and Purva Mimamsa (practise of dharma). Four ashrams and phases of life - Bramhacharya, Grihasta, Vanaprasta, and Sanyansa. Natya shastra - eight dominant bhavas or emotions, Rasa as a state of total transcendence. Four PURUSHARTHAS - Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. Most interesting and elaborately explained the importance of each with examples from stories from various scriptures including Mahabharata. Must read for all.
The following text may sound blasphemous, but not in Hinduism (you can call yourself GOD).
Shivo ham, Shivo ham - I'm Shiva, I'm Shiva
Aham Bramhasmi - I'm Bramha
Interesting thoughts…
1. Upanishad - Ekan satya vipra bahudha vadanti (truth is one, wise call it by different names)
2. Rig veda - anno bhadra kritavo yantu vishvataha (let good thoughts flow from all directions)
3. Who is TRULY happy? One who cooks his own meal, isn't in debt and is happy to be alone
Second half deals with how Hindu civilasation survived Islamic and then British rule. Though initially there were few British who were genuine admirers of ancient Indian culture but soon they realized to annihilate a culture, attack on its language, art, rituals and practices.
An amazing journey through evidence and reason to showcase Hindu civilisation via philosophical enquiry, spiritual quest, religious practice and metaphysical analysis. Something intrinsically different in the way the Hindu civilisation was structured that made it survive when Egyptian, Mesopotamian, Greek, Chinese civilisation have vanished. Was India Only an undivided land bound by nature and criss-crossed with places of pilgrimage from south to north, East to west? But then you have only Namboodiris from Kerala as priests at Badrinath, and every Diwali the sari for the idol at Amba at Kolhapur comes from the Lord at Tirupati.
Interesting to note is that the entire ELITE of the country is against Hindu civilisation because of Hindu phobia, colonial mindset but none of them can read Sanskrit or interpret ancient texts. Author takes head on the flagbearers of this school - Gurcharan Das, Nehru, Amartya Sen, Romila Thapar, Irfan Habib, Pollock and Doniger.
Hinduism's foundational emphasis is on intellectual deliberation (tark, tika, tippanis). Author takes you through the fascinating journey through the ancient scriptures , evolution of our sacred knowledge, various schools of thought, evolution of Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism. Buddhism added an interesting dimension to the existing Hindu philosophy on how to deal with sorrow - Nirvana (liberation from sorrow). Sanskrit was/is an evolved language - my not taking Sanskrit to the masses did we miss on greater good by restricting the reach to the repository of philosophy, art, architecture, classical music, dance, theatre, sculpture, painting, literature, pilgrimage, ritual and religious narratives, branches of natural sciences - medicine, botany, mathematics, engineering to few. Lot of insight into Upanishads, the Brahma Sutra and Bhagawad Gita. Apart from Advaita, the book introduces 5 other schools of philosophy Nyaya (deals with 4 sources of knowledge pratyaksha, anumana, upmana, shabda), Vaisheshika (material character is based on dominant one or vishesha), Sankhya (purush and Prakriti), Yoga (8 paths to restrain your mind yama, niyama, asana, pranayama, pratyahara, dharana, dhyana and samadhi) and Purva Mimamsa (practise of dharma). Four ashrams and phases of life - Bramhacharya, Grihasta, Vanaprasta, and Sanyansa. Natya shastra - eight dominant bhavas or emotions, Rasa as a state of total transcendence. Four PURUSHARTHAS - Dharma, Artha, Kama, Moksha. Most interesting and elaborately explained the importance of each with examples from stories from various scriptures including Mahabharata. Must read for all.
The following text may sound blasphemous, but not in Hinduism (you can call yourself GOD).
Shivo ham, Shivo ham - I'm Shiva, I'm Shiva
Aham Bramhasmi - I'm Bramha
Interesting thoughts…
1. Upanishad - Ekan satya vipra bahudha vadanti (truth is one, wise call it by different names)
2. Rig veda - anno bhadra kritavo yantu vishvataha (let good thoughts flow from all directions)
3. Who is TRULY happy? One who cooks his own meal, isn't in debt and is happy to be alone
Second half deals with how Hindu civilasation survived Islamic and then British rule. Though initially there were few British who were genuine admirers of ancient Indian culture but soon they realized to annihilate a culture, attack on its language, art, rituals and practices.
March 5, 2024
This book is a study of Indian history. Varma argues that the Sanskritic Hinduism or the Great Tradition of Hinduism (Hindu Civilisation as he calls it) constitutes the national essence of India. According to him during the Islamic and British periods of Indian history, the Hindu civilisation suffered from neglect at best and violent suppression, at worst. The modern Indian republic through its policy of secularism also resulted in the marginalisation of the Hindu Civilisation. While in its doctrinal essence, Varma appears to be sympathetic to Hindutva, he is ill at ease with its bigotry. He pleads for the revival of Hindu Civilisation but shorn of its obscurantism .
I have several problems with Varma's thesis. Is there a monolithic Hindu Civilisation? Is not Indian civilisation too diverse? How accurate is it to conflate Indian civilization with Sanskritic tradition? Varma is dismissive about issues related to caste and patriarchy in the so called Hindu Civilisation. He seems to think that these problems were exaggerated by the British or a reaction to Islamic conquests. Why should the modern Indian republic privilege the so-called Hindu civilisation?
Pavan Varma's book is readable and can serve as good introduction to India's Sanskritic tradition. But the author's easy conflation of sanskritic tradition, Hindu civilisation and Indian culture is problematic.
I have several problems with Varma's thesis. Is there a monolithic Hindu Civilisation? Is not Indian civilisation too diverse? How accurate is it to conflate Indian civilization with Sanskritic tradition? Varma is dismissive about issues related to caste and patriarchy in the so called Hindu Civilisation. He seems to think that these problems were exaggerated by the British or a reaction to Islamic conquests. Why should the modern Indian republic privilege the so-called Hindu civilisation?
Pavan Varma's book is readable and can serve as good introduction to India's Sanskritic tradition. But the author's easy conflation of sanskritic tradition, Hindu civilisation and Indian culture is problematic.
August 26, 2021
Book Title: The Great Hindu Civilisation: Achievement, Neglect, Bias and the Way Forward
Author: Pavan K Varma
Format: Kindle
Review:
India is a country that is diversified in many ways. Be it the landform, culture, ethnicities, languages, or tradition, it is a perfect mixture of many kinds. With this, it is also unexplainably apt to say that India has had a glorious history too. It is also one of the countries that had a great civilisation. In the pages of history worldwide, India and its heritage are the most talked about things.
Though there is much to talk about and learn from the history, certain aspects like Westernisation and the present trend of some forces acting upon the elements that talk great about the Hindu civilisation are masking the glory. These comments and statements, where some are absolutely true, are discussed in the latest book by Mr Pavan K Varma's book, The Great Hindu Civilisation.
Pavan K Varma, an author and a former member of Rajya Sabha, quotes in this book that ' the academic elite ' of India, now in the present times, have short-changed the Hindu culture and civilisation. As far as things learnt and discussed until today, the first prime minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, is the pioneer of the modern future. But, in this book, author Pavan K Varma opens a new Pandora box of some less discussed points that demystifies certain such beliefs.
In this exciting book, author Pavan K Varma talks about the most famous vocabulary used across the country by certain groups -for example, liberal, secular, etc. But in another way, he opens a new direction to think deeper into why he made such statements. However, the book in this age may create confusion among the readers. This confusion is due to the access to too much information and the less time to access the truths in the minds. One of the chapters mentions the Vijayanagara empire of Krishnadevaraya of the Chola kingdom of the Tamilnadu, which is unknown to the students who hail from the Northern part of the country is truly a topic that must be taught.
In this book, he also mentions that some people force Indian academics to ignore many aspects of India's past and history. He also points out the fear that Hindu chauvinism and the imposing of the Hindu culture might spurt. But, it is also to be noted that history cannot be forgotten but can be taught in the way it is. Many unseen forces play with these sensitive aspects that try to create unrest. As the saying goes, no one is a saint; though there are some people pointed in this book, there is always the other side of the coin.
All said and done, in this book, as a reader and as an apolitical person and, at the same time, I agree with certain truths and their explanation; some statements are highly blunt and pinpointing towards certain people and leaders. If the book is read with a free and unbiased mind, this is an extensively written, fascinating book. This book is readable with a conclusion that is framed like we need to research our past with greater care and energy — avoiding unscientific assertions — and educate our children about the great Hindu civilisation!
Author: Pavan K Varma
Format: Kindle
Review:
India is a country that is diversified in many ways. Be it the landform, culture, ethnicities, languages, or tradition, it is a perfect mixture of many kinds. With this, it is also unexplainably apt to say that India has had a glorious history too. It is also one of the countries that had a great civilisation. In the pages of history worldwide, India and its heritage are the most talked about things.
Though there is much to talk about and learn from the history, certain aspects like Westernisation and the present trend of some forces acting upon the elements that talk great about the Hindu civilisation are masking the glory. These comments and statements, where some are absolutely true, are discussed in the latest book by Mr Pavan K Varma's book, The Great Hindu Civilisation.
Pavan K Varma, an author and a former member of Rajya Sabha, quotes in this book that ' the academic elite ' of India, now in the present times, have short-changed the Hindu culture and civilisation. As far as things learnt and discussed until today, the first prime minister of India, Pandit Jawaharlal Nehru, is the pioneer of the modern future. But, in this book, author Pavan K Varma opens a new Pandora box of some less discussed points that demystifies certain such beliefs.
In this exciting book, author Pavan K Varma talks about the most famous vocabulary used across the country by certain groups -for example, liberal, secular, etc. But in another way, he opens a new direction to think deeper into why he made such statements. However, the book in this age may create confusion among the readers. This confusion is due to the access to too much information and the less time to access the truths in the minds. One of the chapters mentions the Vijayanagara empire of Krishnadevaraya of the Chola kingdom of the Tamilnadu, which is unknown to the students who hail from the Northern part of the country is truly a topic that must be taught.
In this book, he also mentions that some people force Indian academics to ignore many aspects of India's past and history. He also points out the fear that Hindu chauvinism and the imposing of the Hindu culture might spurt. But, it is also to be noted that history cannot be forgotten but can be taught in the way it is. Many unseen forces play with these sensitive aspects that try to create unrest. As the saying goes, no one is a saint; though there are some people pointed in this book, there is always the other side of the coin.
All said and done, in this book, as a reader and as an apolitical person and, at the same time, I agree with certain truths and their explanation; some statements are highly blunt and pinpointing towards certain people and leaders. If the book is read with a free and unbiased mind, this is an extensively written, fascinating book. This book is readable with a conclusion that is framed like we need to research our past with greater care and energy — avoiding unscientific assertions — and educate our children about the great Hindu civilisation!
Read
July 1, 2025Passionate and insightful book by Pavan Varma. Reflects his personality and views. Much more interesting and incisive than 'Echoes of Eternity' by the same writer I'm reading now. Met him once, where he warmly signed my copy of his work on Adi Shankaracharya.
The last section of this book again gravitates towards the Nehruvian world view after such an incisive critique. Recent events in Bangladesh, within India, the Pahalgam attack et al. should make him reflect and revise a little if possible. Bleak existential stupor that stares the nation in the face should alter worldviews and it does for a short while. The fifteen seconds of reflection and the world moves on.
Enjoyed reading this.
The last section of this book again gravitates towards the Nehruvian world view after such an incisive critique. Recent events in Bangladesh, within India, the Pahalgam attack et al. should make him reflect and revise a little if possible. Bleak existential stupor that stares the nation in the face should alter worldviews and it does for a short while. The fifteen seconds of reflection and the world moves on.
Enjoyed reading this.
January 26, 2023
The first chapters beautifully touch salient points of our Sanatan culture, specially the introduction to the Hindu Philosophy which is categorized into Shad Darshans(Six Darshans: Sankhya, Nyaya, Mimaamsa, Yoga, Vaisheshika, Vedantha). Also talks about how Bhakti movement and Art helped preserve cultural fabric even during Muslim and British Invasion period. But the concluding chapters and future outlook and suggestions by the author are too modest and timid at times.
June 24, 2022
Mr. Verma is of the opinion that everything that's been happening in the country, especially after 2014 is radical elements gaining power and taking leadership within the fold of Hinduism and everything that they stand for is bound to take society towards chaos & instability. It fosters hatred amongst different groups and is fundamentally against what our founding fathers [only Nehru & Gandhi find the mention, not surprisingly] envisioned it to be. i.e. Secularism! The author's inability to acknowledge the thoughts of the so-called other side & blind conviction into his own side bears testament to the fact that he is not as open-minded as he prescribes an ordinary Hindu to be. Hence, yearns for a utopian Hindu Renaissance, which shall be in the mold of his ideological tenets. This is contrary to the very definition of the word, renaissance.
April 29, 2024
Amazing scope, written with highest intellectual vigor
This is a great book both for novices and those who already have good knowledge on Hindus/ India. The author could be easily categorized into moderate BJP, but apparently he was with JDU. The last chapter addresses extremism, I agree almost with all his criticisms but not on Love Jihad, which is a real issue. He has exposed the hypocrisy of “secular” elite starting with Nehruji, but author himself doesn’t recognize the angst of Hindus on love jihad. The book however is a great compendium of intellectual, artistic accomplishments of Hindus over the millennia. Just the first 2 chapters are worth the money. Highly recommend!
This is a great book both for novices and those who already have good knowledge on Hindus/ India. The author could be easily categorized into moderate BJP, but apparently he was with JDU. The last chapter addresses extremism, I agree almost with all his criticisms but not on Love Jihad, which is a real issue. He has exposed the hypocrisy of “secular” elite starting with Nehruji, but author himself doesn’t recognize the angst of Hindus on love jihad. The book however is a great compendium of intellectual, artistic accomplishments of Hindus over the millennia. Just the first 2 chapters are worth the money. Highly recommend!
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