Abstract of the talk : The ideological dimension of Hindu revivalism has mostly been misrepresented, or rather neglected, in the debates on the subject. After discussing the term "Hindu revivalism", we will analyze the ideological statements of its advocates, their critique of the existing order, and the counterpoints. If time permits, we will also discuss an important case in point, that of the Ayodhya temple. We will describe how the scholars' debate on Ayodhya cleared up the conceptual fog on the topic, at least for those willing to wade through the different types of evidence. We survey the most unexpected findings.


About the speaker : Dr. Koenraad Elst is an eminent historian, author and public speaker on Indology, Hindu revivalism, Sinology and Philosophy. He earned his Ph.D. degree from the Catholic University of Leuven in Oriental Philology and History. As part of his research, he also had a stay at the Banaras Hindu University (BHU). Indeed, a rare breed among intelligentsia, Dr. Elst belongs to the elite group that houses scholars like Ram Swarup and Sita Ram Goel — people who made their voice heard for facts across the globe, in scientific temperament, despite facing harsh criticism from scholars of other schools of thought. Over the years, Dr. Elst has championed the theory of indigenous Aryans and use of paleo-linguistics. His work on Ayodhya is regarded by many as prime amongst most. Dr. Elst, till date, has authored more than 20 books that include Decolonizing the Hindu mind, the Saffron Swastika, Hindu Dharma and culture wars, why and how Mohandas Gandhi was killed, Ayodhya Ram Temple, the Aryan Invasion Debate, negationism in Indian history discourse, psychology of prophetism, communal violence and propaganda, etc.


Date : 30th October, 2022.
Venue : L-17, LHC, IIT Kanpur.

свернуть