The argumentative indian

‘The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity’ (2005) is a an intellectual tour de force by an astute ‘Nobel Prize’ winning Indian economist Prof. Amartya Kumar Sen.

It is a collection of sixteen essays divided into four equal parts written by the author in various occasions.

The book comprises of four parts each having four dissertation papers.

Here, We shall concentrate in the first chapter of Part one only.


Part one contains four chapters:
(1) ‘The Argumentative Indian’,
(2) ‘Inequality, Instability and Voice’,
(3) ‘India: Large and Small’ and
(4) ‘The Diaspora and the World’.

1. Indranil Sarkar Sapatgram, Assam Assam Sapatgram THE ARGUMENTATIVE 1

2. The Argumentative Indian-in a nut-shell. ‘The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity’ (2005) is a an intellectual tour de force  by an astute ‘Nobel Prize’ winning Indian economist Prof. Amartya Kumar Sen. It is a collection of sixteen essays divided into four equal parts written by the author in various occasions. The book comprises of four parts each having four dissertation papers. Here, We shall concentrate in the first chapter of Part one only. Part one contains four chapters: (1) ‘The Argumentative Indian’, (2) ‘Inequality, Instability and Voice’, (3) ‘India: Large and Small’ and (4) ‘The Diaspora and the World’. 2

3. The Argumentative Indian-in a nut-shell. Part two is composed of ‘Tagore and His India’, ‘Our Culture, Their Culture’, ‘Indian Traditions and the Western Imagination’ and ‘China and India’. Part three is divided into (1) ‘Tryst with Destiny’, (2) ‘Class in India’, (3) ‘Women and Men’ and (4) ‘India and the Bomb’.  Finally, part four includes (1) ‘The Reach of Reason’, (2) ‘Secular-ism and Its Discontents’, (3) ‘India through Its Calendars’ and (4) ‘The Indian Identity’. **** 3

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5. Prof. Amartya Kumar Sen (3 rd November 1933---)  Amartya Kumar Sen, the 1998 Nobel Laureate in Economics was born in India. He completed his early academic education there and earned his doctorate from Cambridge in 1959. He served as a professor at various Universities like Delhi University, the London School of Economics , All Souls College in Oxford , and Harvard University. He is now Master of Trinity College at Cambridge University. He was awarded the Nobel for his works on ‘Welfare Economics’. He is also a great philosopher and Intellectual of present generation. He wrote hundreds of thought provoking essays in various Indian and International Journals and News Papers. His scholarly Books are priceless documents of an Intellectual’s iconoclastic ideas. **** 5

6. Who is an Argumentative Man? In common parlance ‘Argumentative’ means quarrelsome habit. But, Dr.Sen has used the term in its philosophical sense which is similar in meaning with English word ‘Debate’. In general Debate means placing various logical statements systematically to establish one’s own point of view. Argument, on the other hand is to thrust one’s opinions unsystematically and shut-up the opponent voice thus. According to Indian tradition, a dialogue can be of three types: ‘Vaad', or a discussion, which seeks to understand the opponent's point of view and explain one's own in order to reach the truth; ‘Vivaad' or an argument, which seeks to impose one's own point of view over that of the other; and the third, ‘Vitandavaad', which merely seeks to demolish the other person's views, without really offering any alternative system. Dr.Sen,whatsoever, used the term in its second meaning. 6

7. Loquacious India’s Argumentative Tradition Indians like to talk; Talkativeness has been referred in the Mythologies and Histories of distant past. From Lord Sri Krishna to Swami Vivekananda, from Asoka to Gandhi and Nehru, every great Indian conquered the world by their Loquaciousness. Kings and Monarchs of ancient India ruled their kingdoms collecting Public Opinion through the Public Debates. Women also had the right to take part in Public Debate and express their views. "Silence,“Dr.Sen writes, "is a powerful enemy of social justice." Words mined out of misread histories deny justice. The argumentative India could not have hoped for a more persuasive Indian. 7

8. Loquaciousness of the Indians . Krishna-Arjuna debate at the beginning of Kurukheshtra War was on : ‘Just Fare Forward or Fare Well’. V.K.Krishna Menon, the Foreign Minister in 1955 wins UN support in Kashmir issue by his approximately eight (8) hours long speech. 8

9. Other side of Indian Women in the Mythological and Historic Past Unlike Europe Women occupied a very important and prestigious entity even in the age of Upanishads and Epics in India. Though basically a Patriarchal society, women were not kept confined within the four walls of Domesticity. Indian Epics and Upanishads are studded with the heroic and bold Women Characters like Khana Maitrieye, Gargi, Draupadi, Sita etc. Our History is also a testament of women achievers like Rani Laxmi Bai, Rani Durgavati, Sarojini Naidu, Vijayalaxmi Pandit, I ndira Gandhi etc. These women personalities earned respect by dint of their talent, courage and feminine virtues. These women personalities were not only mothers, sisters or daughters, they were great diplomats scholars and even soldiers also. In Truth, Indian Women lived a dignified life in comparison to the helpless and dependable life of their counterparts in Europe. 9

10. Other side of Indian Women In the Brihadaranyaka Upanishad there is the story of a famous ‘arguing combat’in which Yajnavalkya,the outstanding scholar and teacher ,has to face questions from the assembled gathering of pundits. A female Rishi by the name of Gargi stands up and decides to challenge Yajnavalkya. She enters the fray without any special modesty: ‘Venarable Brahmins, with your permission I shall ask two questions only’. If he gives correct answers, then he would never be vanquished by any of you in expounding the nature of God’. Saying so, she begins to question him and he would calmly and correctly reply to each question. As they are debating, Gargi asks a question that angers the Rishi. She asks Yajnavalkya as to what is above Brahmalok and he replies, “Beware Gargi! You dare to ask who is above Brahman(God). Beware of the limits of your questions; otherwise you will lose your head!” Gargi realizing her mistake sits down. Everyone was silent until Gargi stands up once more to ask two difficult questions. One of those questions was about Aksharbrahman. After hearing Yajnavalkya’s answer, she proclaims him as the greatest brahmanishtha. 10

11. Yajnavalkya and Gargi 11

12. Maitreyi and Yajnavalkya Maitreyi was the wife of Yajnavalkya. In one occasion she questioned Yajnavalkya, “Does one attain moksha with this material wealth? What shall I do with something that does not grant me moksha? I only crave your spiritual wisdom ”. Yagnavalkya Rishi was impressed by what his wife had said. He replied, “Maitreyi, the husband is not loved because he is a husband. He is loved only because of the atma. A wife, children, wealth, animals, relatives, deities, Vedas, heaven and happiness are all cherished only because of the atma. Her question raises the very nature of ‘man as a fiscal anim al. “ 12

13. Yajnavalkya and Maitreyi 13

14. Disadvantage is a Comparative Concept Present India is torn in the issues of caste, creed and class. Reservation has produced more irregularities than doing any good to the ‘subalterns’. Upliftment of the under-privileged has still remained a far-cry. Prof. Sen argues that ‘Disadvantage is a comparative concept’. The incompetency of the under-privileged can not be dressed up by providing undue and unjust favouratism. This would never help them develop their social status. 67 years of uncensored favouratism has failed to do any good to the so called under-privileged. Similarly, real talents did never remain unrecognized whatever adverse obstacles tried to block their path. In support of his argument he refers to the sages, scholars and Risis of Mahabharata and historic India. Most of them hailed from humble and low or downtrodden category.They attained greatness, reached to the highest ‘Class’ by dint of their labour, penance, study and a ‘Will to become great’. ‘Jabali’ in the ‘Ramayana’ and ‘Bayasa Deva’ in Mahabharata are examples to the point. 14

15. Caste & Class in India Caste is predetermined (inborn &Static) but Class is open to upward or downward mobility. Talent is the key to Upward mobility not Reservation. 15

16. Democracy not a quintessentially Western idea India is the largest democracy of the world .The contemporary intelligentsia tries to prove that Democracy in India came as a benevolent gesture of the British Ruler. Before them there was no ‘India’ and no question of democracy as the country(sub-continent) was ruled by hundreds of thousands of Monarchs. Even at the time of Indian Independence there were 562 number of Princely states having autocratic Rule. But, Prof.Sen sees the matter in a different way. He views the issue not from superficial plane but from the hidden plane. The country was undoubtedly ruled by autocratic rulers but they ruled the country with the counsel of highly talented and efficient ‘Mantries’. As for example he cited the Monarchial rule of Chandragupta who ruled his empire with the counsel of ‘Nine-Gems’; Asoka had followed the foot-step of his predecessor and established his ‘Secret “9” for smooth ruling of his empire. The Mughal emperor Akbar ruled his empire with the help of most efficient Ministers like Birbal,Tansen etc. They even sought public opinion through public debates and valued the concencious opinion.In reality most of the kings ruled their respective monarchy keeping an eye to the public likes and dislikes. 16

17. Democracy in Ancient India India practiced Democracy even before the Vedic Age. The ancient Indian republics were known as Gana-Sangha (Equal Assembly), or Gana-Rajya (Equal Government). The ancient Indian republic of Vaishali, which dates back to 600 BCE existed almost a century before the institution of Athenian republican democracy. Another ancient form of Indian democracy is the localized ‘Panchayat’ system, which literally means an ‘assembly of five’ wise and respected elders. Unlike ancient Indian city and state-level republics, Panchayats started as a form of localized grassroots democracy more than three thousand years ago, have survived the rise and fall of repeated conquests and empires, and are still a central feature of India’s modern democratic apparatus. “India was the mother of ‘village communities’ of self-government and democracy” wrote Will Durant. 17

18. Vedas describe democracy 18

19. Present –Day Democracy inIndia The Parliament is in Session Parliament House of India 19

20. Democracy not a quintessentially Western idea So, in reality India practiced ‘Democratic’ ideologies since the days of ‘Ramayana and Mahabharata’ . It was an ideal democracy free from the vices of the democracy of the present time. This is because at present inefficient and corrupt persons having no kingly qualities become rulers. Democracy was the core idea in ancient India, but modern democratic structure was taken from British and American constitutions. The democratic idea was found in the Ramayana when, in an instance, a king used to ask common public opinion on his judgment and policy to rule the kingdom. In another instance, king Rama was described taking suggestion from the Praza (known as citizens in modern time) and disagree, if he was not right. Indian civilization process had democratic thought in its core characteristics. The democratic system in ancient India was described in Rig Veda. There were Slokas that describe democracy in India. Democracy in Buddhism – In Buddhism text, which is available in Pali, there were democratic thoughts. During 600 BC – 200 AD there was urbanization almost similar to republican system. According to Brahminical literature republican system was found in all over in ancient India. There were ganas and Sanghas playing important role in decision making process in a kingdom. These were the groups that would take essential part in running a government. These groups have their own political influences and worked almost like sovereign government body in the kingdom. 20

21. Navaratnas of Chandragupta: Amarsimha, Dhanvantri ,Harisena, Kalidasa, Kahapanaka, Sanku, Varahamihira,Vararuchi ,Vetalbhatta. 21

22. Unique Democratic Rule Modern India practices ‘Panchayat’ system. ‘Panchayat’ literally means an ‘assembly of five wise and respected elders’. The concept was inherited from the practices of great Indian Monarchs of distant past. The monarchs ruled their respective kingdoms by the help of a handful of talented persons who collected public opinion on crucial matters through public debates. Chandragupta Vikramaditya had his ‘Navaratnas’. Emperor Asoka had his ‘Secret Nine’. Mughal emperor Akbar had his ‘Nine Gems’. Maharaja Krishnachandra had a group of nine elite and scholars like Gopal Bhar, Bharatchandra, Ramprasad etc. Chatrapati Sivaji ruled with his ‘Ashta-Pradhan’ (Group of Eight Great Personalities). 22

23. King Asoka’s secret 9 23 U Tube Video in next slide

24. AKBAR’S 24

25. Birbal - Abul Faijal - Tansen - Bhagvandas - Abdul Rahim Khan Khana – Todarmal – Raja Man Singh - Mulla Do Pyaja - Hakim Hukam. 25

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28. Religious Radicalism India is the home of four great Religions of the World .Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Besides there are millions of people practicing Christianity and Islam. The second largest populace of the world have been practicing almost all the religions of the world since time immemorial. But, India does not have any record of any Crusade. In India there has been no bloodshed in the name of Religion. This, according to Dr.Sen is the result of extreme Radical and Tolerant aspects of Hinduism. The Hindus believe in religious freedom and practices religious tolerance. Of all Religions, only Hinduism is free from the cravings of making the world a ‘Hindu world’ or convert all the people to Hinduism. Hinduism provides the unique liberty to choose one’s own Religion. This is because of “Religious Radicalism”. Hindus know Religion is personal. Nobody should be compelled to adopt a Religion which he does not like. And also because of religious tolerance and flexibility an originally Hindu habitation has become the hotspot of almost all the Religions of the world. Again, it is to be remembered that even in this 21 st century India is regarded a Religious country. Even today Europeans imagine every Indians as ‘a sage or a snake charmer or a prince’. In India ‘Secular’ means tolerant of all religions, as opposed to the European definition of non-religious. 28

29. India Practices Communal Harmony because of Religious Radicalism. 29

30. Religious Radicalism 30

31. Prof.Sen is against Oversimplification of India India is big; India is great; India is a wonder-land. Nobody can define India and her innumerable variety and uniqueness. India is a country having a continuous cultural heritage of more than 5000 years. India is Multi-Cultural; Multi-Racial; Multi-Lingual and Multi-Religious country. India has been practicing Democratic political dogma long before the Western Philosophers’ formulation of the same. India maintains Radical visions on Religion as such India did never suffer from any bloody Crusade. Although home of four Major world Religions, Indians live in harmony and peace. Indian-ness is psychological not physical. Jawaharlal Nehru’s romantic notion of India as a land of ‘Unity amidst Diversity’ is true to the core of every Indians. 31

32. The Argumentative Indian Glossary of Terms:- Argument: A n argument is a series of statements typically used to persuade someone of something or to present reasons for accepting a conclusion Loquaciousness: Talkativeness; Chattiness; Talking or tending to talk much Heterodoxy: Dissent; Unorthodoxy; Heretical Doctrine; Sacrilege. Heterodoxy in a religious sense means "any opinions or doctrines at variance with an official or Orthodox position“. Prolixity: E xtended to great, unnecessary, or tedious length; long and wordy. Non-proselytizing : To try to convert somebody to a religious faith or political doctrine. Plurality: The state of being plural; usually large number of things. Plurality Voting System: electoral process in which the candidate who polls more votes than any other candidate is elected. It is distinguished from the majority system, in ... 32

33. -: Presente r:- Indranil Sarkar Associate Professor Department of English Sapatgram College, Assam Contact: 9859945270 e-mail: [email protected] Attributes:-C&C . Resource collected from Public Domain Web contents. 33