When Ajoy Rastogi forwarded an email a while back advocating for the withdrawal of Wendy Doniger’s book, *The Hindus: An Alternative History (New Delhi, Penguin/Viking, 2009), I responded by stating that I had not read the book and therefore did not feel qualified to join the campaign. However, after obtaining and reading the book, I see no reason to support such a call for withdrawal. While Doniger presents an alternative history of Hinduism that deviates from her usual approach and might be unsettling to some orthodox or fundamental Hindus, her work offers a nuanced perspective on the complex and pluralistic nature of Hinduism. No single viewpoint can fully represent Hinduism.
When confronted with a work that might offend one’s sentiments, there are generally two responses: one can either ignore it or address the inaccuracies. However, given that some past wrongs are now being exposed, reacting with irritation or militant opposition is counterproductive. Doniger’s extensive quotations and references allow readers to verify the accuracy of her information. While some interpretations might be contentious, they do not alter the facts presented. The most constructive approach is not to oppose the exposure of past wrongs with a fundamentalist campaign but to engage with the material in a spirit of humility. This approach will shed light on the issues and address past injustices more effectively.
Dayanand Bharati, Gurukulam, December 18, 2010.
When Ajoy Rastogi forwarded an email a while back advocating for the withdrawal of Wendy Doniger’s book, *The Hindus: An Alternative History (New Delhi, Penguin/Viking, 2009), I responded by stating that I had not read the book and therefore did not feel qualified to join the campaign. However, after obtaining and reading the book, I see no reason to support such a call for withdrawal. While Doniger presents an alternative history of Hinduism that deviates from her usual approach and might be unsettling to some orthodox or fundamental Hindus, her work offers a nuanced perspective on the complex and pluralistic nature of Hinduism. No single viewpoint can fully represent Hinduism.
When confronted with a work that might offend one’s sentiments, there are generally two responses: one can either ignore it or address the inaccuracies. However, given that some past wrongs are now being exposed, reacting with irritation or militant opposition is counterproductive. Doniger’s extensive quotations and references allow readers to verify the accuracy of her information. While some interpretations might be contentious, they do not alter the facts presented. The most constructive approach is not to oppose the exposure of past wrongs with a fundamentalist campaign but to engage with the material in a spirit of humility. This approach will shed light on the issues and address past injustices more effectively.
Dayanand Bharati, Gurukulam, December 18, 2010.
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