This is probably the most widely disputed topics amongst historians in Indian and the European history. The origin of the word traces back to the Rigveda.
ಮಹಾಕುಲ ಕುಲೀನಾರ್ಯ ಸಭ್ಯ ಸಜ್ಜನ ಸಾಧವಃ (ಒಳ್ಳೆಯ ಕುಟುಂಬದಲ್ಲಿ ಕುಲೀನ, ಸಭ್ಯ, ಸಜ್ಜನ ಹಾಗು ಸಾಧು - ಎಂಬುದು ಇದರರ್ಥ)
It is a mode of addressing used towards revered persona, similar to "sir" etc.
When Max Muller translated the Vedas as described in my previous post, for the first 20 years he theorized for a vantage point to East India Company and Christianity as : "Aryan" to be a race and supreme tradition, which invaded India and pushed its original inhabitants-Dravidians to the South & composed the Vedas in 1200 BC. His estimate of the year of composition was accurate he claimed (God knows how he deduced it!) Now remember: Max Muller was a German. Using this theory that he propounded in the 1800s, the Germans who were originally devastated by lack of identity by then, proclaimed themselves to belong to the Aryan race & as heroes of Sanskrit language. This aroused nationalism and they waged a war against the French in 1871, after which they aroused as a supreme power. We can also correlate here, how Hitler hypnotized Germans into his Aryans theory and proposed to eliminate the Jews. This loss of the French to the Germans, aroused the British(who allied with French). Now, Max Muller grew guilty, as he worked for the East India Company(he had to now prove his loyalty to British, and that he was not a German nationalist), as a result of which, for the next 30 years Max Muller propagated with much greater strength that : "Aryan" is not a race, but a language!!
"I have declared again and again that if I say Aryan, I mean neither blood nor bones, nor skull, nor hair; I mean simply those who speak the Aryan language"
This is the fate of Indian history and beliefs that string along. People have to let go the wrong interpretations and learn to accept the truth! We, Indians, somehow, never believed the latter 30 years theory of MaxMuller!! And are still regionally divided and prejudiced - with the wrong belief that Aryans(North Indians) invaded Dravidians(South Indians). Lets let it go and stand united. "Aryan" is only a respectable addressing mode. Read another article here.
Sunday, March 27, 2011
Wrongs of history : Max Muller - an opportunist
Max Muller - Philosopher; Champion of Orientalism and Indology studies during the Imperial rule in India. Mostly in the 1800's. A German philosopher, who studied Sanskrit under Institute for Indian studies in Europe who eventually started the translation of the Vedas into English as early as at the age of 25 years (Note that both English and Sanskrit are foreign to him) - resulted in "Sacred Books of the East", a massive 50-volume series. He is often claimed to be one of the founding figures who established Indology studies. He is also probably revered back in India even today by "secularists".
Now, for some truth. Before going into that : Why did the East India company really want to translate the sacred texts of Vedas(which we Indians ourselves have hardly understood, except some of us who by-heart them and recite intact) into English? What was in it for them? It was for Christianity. Christian missionaries failed miserably to provoke Christ interests in Kolkata(Calcutta back then, where they arrived. It was also made capital for East India Company's commerce) Despite undertaking desperate measures to spread their religion, they failed. Credits to - Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Mohan Roy upheld the theory of Arya Samaj and Ekeshwara-existence of one Lord(he was working towards uniting Indians by abolishing caste system) as against the concept of "Trinity" or Christ Trinity. The East India Company had to now devise a method to take Indians into confidence, prove their religion wrong and glorify Christianity; by which I mean, carve out a way which would prove that Sanaatana Dharma preached wrong; uphold conflict in ideas and interests(between Vedas and Ram Mohan's preachings). The Vedas which forms the essence of Sanataana Dharma preached the existence of crores of gods (mukkoti devaas). The translation of the Vedas would hence mean that Raja Ram Mohan Roy would be wronged and conversion of Hindus(predominantly) would be easier. With this motive, the East India Company launched a search in find of a man who could work for them as a labor to translate, who would be paid handsomely.
Max Muller was a person who wandered places in need of a job to make a living. Before falling into the "job" with East India Company, he used to translate letters to people. In the book "The life and letters of Max Muller" written by none other than his better half Georgina Max Muller, he discloses his intention behind translating the ancient scripts as follows:
"I feel convinced, though I shall not live to see it, that this edition of mine and the transalation of the Veda will hereafter tell to a great extent on the fate of India...It is the root of their religion, and to show them what that root is, I feel sure, is the only way of uprooting all that has sprung up from it during the last 3000 years"
I am too lazy to include here many other excerpts which clearly indicate that his step by step objective was to - uproot ancient Sanaatana Dharma tradition and the way of living preached by the Vedas; glorify the christian missionaries and finally install Christianity.
He failed and so did the East India Company and its missionaries. Christian missionaries didn't much effect the Indian way as a result of this translation and subsequent attempt to smear the Vedic dharma black. But, the translated English series reached far and wide. Essence of Sanaatana Dharma was eventually upheld across the world. Fragrance of the way of living practiced in the Vedas spread throughout.
What hurts me : We have Max Muller roads and bhavans across India today and not even a single road(marg or bhavan) named after.. I dont want to name those people here who deserve much more than an alien Max Muller to be compared with!
Now, for some truth. Before going into that : Why did the East India company really want to translate the sacred texts of Vedas(which we Indians ourselves have hardly understood, except some of us who by-heart them and recite intact) into English? What was in it for them? It was for Christianity. Christian missionaries failed miserably to provoke Christ interests in Kolkata(Calcutta back then, where they arrived. It was also made capital for East India Company's commerce) Despite undertaking desperate measures to spread their religion, they failed. Credits to - Raja Ram Mohan Roy. Mohan Roy upheld the theory of Arya Samaj and Ekeshwara-existence of one Lord(he was working towards uniting Indians by abolishing caste system) as against the concept of "Trinity" or Christ Trinity. The East India Company had to now devise a method to take Indians into confidence, prove their religion wrong and glorify Christianity; by which I mean, carve out a way which would prove that Sanaatana Dharma preached wrong; uphold conflict in ideas and interests(between Vedas and Ram Mohan's preachings). The Vedas which forms the essence of Sanataana Dharma preached the existence of crores of gods (mukkoti devaas). The translation of the Vedas would hence mean that Raja Ram Mohan Roy would be wronged and conversion of Hindus(predominantly) would be easier. With this motive, the East India Company launched a search in find of a man who could work for them as a labor to translate, who would be paid handsomely.
Max Muller was a person who wandered places in need of a job to make a living. Before falling into the "job" with East India Company, he used to translate letters to people. In the book "The life and letters of Max Muller" written by none other than his better half Georgina Max Muller, he discloses his intention behind translating the ancient scripts as follows:
"I feel convinced, though I shall not live to see it, that this edition of mine and the transalation of the Veda will hereafter tell to a great extent on the fate of India...It is the root of their religion, and to show them what that root is, I feel sure, is the only way of uprooting all that has sprung up from it during the last 3000 years"
I am too lazy to include here many other excerpts which clearly indicate that his step by step objective was to - uproot ancient Sanaatana Dharma tradition and the way of living preached by the Vedas; glorify the christian missionaries and finally install Christianity.
He failed and so did the East India Company and its missionaries. Christian missionaries didn't much effect the Indian way as a result of this translation and subsequent attempt to smear the Vedic dharma black. But, the translated English series reached far and wide. Essence of Sanaatana Dharma was eventually upheld across the world. Fragrance of the way of living practiced in the Vedas spread throughout.
What hurts me : We have Max Muller roads and bhavans across India today and not even a single road(marg or bhavan) named after.. I dont want to name those people here who deserve much more than an alien Max Muller to be compared with!
Sunday, March 13, 2011
Start of an end?
Looks like the start of an end to an era. 2012 - The year that has been much on the tongues of many since the last couple of years, seems to be proving its reality. That's why probably it is told - "I believe in God because Google doesn't have answers to everything". Well, personally, I started believing in God after reading "Flying Saucers" by Tejaswi. Anyway, doesn't matter here.
Floods in Australia, Haiti earthquake, Floods in Pakistan & Ladakh region, New Zealand earthquake, all point out to the realm that the ultimate power has had it enough. The Yellow Stone National Park in The United States is said to be holding humongous amount of energy in its belly - and once it gives in, has the capacity to engulf most of the North American continent. Japan's 8.9 magnitude earthquake, nuclear leak scare and Tsunami (I feel) has insinuated and ignited a grand start towards the "End of the World" theory(It is probably the worst of times for Japan since WW2; their energy and zeal in re-building their nation through sheer commitment and hard work is worth appreciating. While in India and most of the other countries, during national holidays like Independence day the citizens get a day off, the Japanese work twice the working hours on such occasions! More satellite shots here). Revolutions in the Middle east, Civil movements in Ivory Coast - are all events creating history. It is good that all this is taking place(Hmm, apart from people loosing their lives and rendered homeless part of it) I only hope nothing worth historical significance is lost in the natural disasters - so that future has a considerable account of the past. And I also hope all nations come together to make world a better place to live in.
Floods in Australia, Haiti earthquake, Floods in Pakistan & Ladakh region, New Zealand earthquake, all point out to the realm that the ultimate power has had it enough. The Yellow Stone National Park in The United States is said to be holding humongous amount of energy in its belly - and once it gives in, has the capacity to engulf most of the North American continent. Japan's 8.9 magnitude earthquake, nuclear leak scare and Tsunami (I feel) has insinuated and ignited a grand start towards the "End of the World" theory(It is probably the worst of times for Japan since WW2; their energy and zeal in re-building their nation through sheer commitment and hard work is worth appreciating. While in India and most of the other countries, during national holidays like Independence day the citizens get a day off, the Japanese work twice the working hours on such occasions! More satellite shots here). Revolutions in the Middle east, Civil movements in Ivory Coast - are all events creating history. It is good that all this is taking place(Hmm, apart from people loosing their lives and rendered homeless part of it) I only hope nothing worth historical significance is lost in the natural disasters - so that future has a considerable account of the past. And I also hope all nations come together to make world a better place to live in.
Monday, March 7, 2011
Give me blood and I will give you freedom
Once you've tasted the truth, you won't ever want to go back to being ignorant
-Socrates
The death of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Charismatic leader who had such charm as to even appease Japan into bringing land acquired by Japan's army (in association with INA) during WW2 into INA's regime(Andaman, Nicobar, Imphal, etc). He even declared a governor general, a head for finance; defense and formed administrative units to run an Indian government in exile, something similar to Tibet's government in exile. It is only a matter of regret that he couldn't march his army to reach Delhi and overthrow British - because of the nuclear attack and subsequent submission of Japan to the allies. It amazes me how a single man had such courage, strategy (to escape from Britisher's house arrest) travel to Manchuria, Russia, Germany, Japan and where not!
The mysterious plane accident is said to have never taken place- Taipei goverment even rules out any flight taken off from that runway of theirs on the day, August 18th, 1945. There are confusing and contradictory statements given by Netaji's associate Habibur Rehman (probably with the intention of keeping a promise made to Netaji)- the only claimed eye witness during the death of Bose. Author ShivaPrasad's kannada book on this gives well compiled details.
The point is, in-spite of the government forming Shah Nawaz Comission; Mukherjee commission etc, why is the truth concealed? Why were the reports of these commissions hastily concluded by the Congress governments in the past? Nehru and Gandhi had even corresponded with Netaji after 1945! - why did they hide the facts - what and where is the truth and non-violence within himself that Gandhiji was fighting for? Gandhiji could even save Bhagat Singh, RajGuru from being executed. He didnt.
There are even records in Russian archives that illustrate Netaji's attempts to form pacts and agreements with Russian government. There is even an eye witness immediately after 1945 accident that has seen Bose in Russia(apart from the Gumnami Baba mystery). The British government says it cannot reveal some details until 2022 for good-will relationship between the nations. Understandable. But, as the citizens of India, we, who are first of all deprived of our own history (because of the malnourished and wrongly interpreted history) have no rights to know the truth? Forget Indian citizens. Does not a roaring freedom fighter, who achieved unreachable heights (globally back then itself) for freedom struggle deserve an iota of respect that the government does a face off to express serious concern to find out his whereabouts and events that followed? This has only shown the government's lack of interest matters of historical significance.
We see no detailed illustrations of Bose in school text books! Gandhi - Nehru -Gandhi! Congress-ians are the ones who literally used to beg freedom with compromises, not demand it as their birth right! Is this all that comprises the Indian freedom struggle? Or are they scared that it might bring the saffron color to life? Or lose the minority votes if Indian National Congress is wronged in its history? British army who fought Japanese in Singapore express shock that Indians have not realized the contribution of Bose in bringing independence.
I hope Bose lived. I hope he lived to see his efforts giving fruits in 1947. Probably if he had taken front stage in freedom movement, the whole course of Indian system would have changed.
-Socrates
The death of Netaji Subhash Chandra Bose. Charismatic leader who had such charm as to even appease Japan into bringing land acquired by Japan's army (in association with INA) during WW2 into INA's regime(Andaman, Nicobar, Imphal, etc). He even declared a governor general, a head for finance; defense and formed administrative units to run an Indian government in exile, something similar to Tibet's government in exile. It is only a matter of regret that he couldn't march his army to reach Delhi and overthrow British - because of the nuclear attack and subsequent submission of Japan to the allies. It amazes me how a single man had such courage, strategy (to escape from Britisher's house arrest) travel to Manchuria, Russia, Germany, Japan and where not!
The mysterious plane accident is said to have never taken place- Taipei goverment even rules out any flight taken off from that runway of theirs on the day, August 18th, 1945. There are confusing and contradictory statements given by Netaji's associate Habibur Rehman (probably with the intention of keeping a promise made to Netaji)- the only claimed eye witness during the death of Bose. Author ShivaPrasad's kannada book on this gives well compiled details.
The point is, in-spite of the government forming Shah Nawaz Comission; Mukherjee commission etc, why is the truth concealed? Why were the reports of these commissions hastily concluded by the Congress governments in the past? Nehru and Gandhi had even corresponded with Netaji after 1945! - why did they hide the facts - what and where is the truth and non-violence within himself that Gandhiji was fighting for? Gandhiji could even save Bhagat Singh, RajGuru from being executed. He didnt.
There are even records in Russian archives that illustrate Netaji's attempts to form pacts and agreements with Russian government. There is even an eye witness immediately after 1945 accident that has seen Bose in Russia(apart from the Gumnami Baba mystery). The British government says it cannot reveal some details until 2022 for good-will relationship between the nations. Understandable. But, as the citizens of India, we, who are first of all deprived of our own history (because of the malnourished and wrongly interpreted history) have no rights to know the truth? Forget Indian citizens. Does not a roaring freedom fighter, who achieved unreachable heights (globally back then itself) for freedom struggle deserve an iota of respect that the government does a face off to express serious concern to find out his whereabouts and events that followed? This has only shown the government's lack of interest matters of historical significance.
We see no detailed illustrations of Bose in school text books! Gandhi - Nehru -Gandhi! Congress-ians are the ones who literally used to beg freedom with compromises, not demand it as their birth right! Is this all that comprises the Indian freedom struggle? Or are they scared that it might bring the saffron color to life? Or lose the minority votes if Indian National Congress is wronged in its history? British army who fought Japanese in Singapore express shock that Indians have not realized the contribution of Bose in bringing independence.
I hope Bose lived. I hope he lived to see his efforts giving fruits in 1947. Probably if he had taken front stage in freedom movement, the whole course of Indian system would have changed.
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