Latest news with #HinduNationalism:AReader
Time of India
09-07-2025
- Politics
- Time of India
Hindu nationalism, tribal identity, Pakistan: What DU doesn't want you to study anymore
Delhi University (DU) is reportedly set to drop several critical texts from its postgraduate Political Science and History programmes. The proposed removals include works by prominent scholars that explore themes of religious nationalism, identity politics, and the sociopolitical underpinnings of South Asian history, many of which have previously sparked public and institutional contention. Jaffrelot, Baviskar among key authors targeted According to media reports, Hindu Nationalism: A Reader by noted French political scientist Christophe Jaffrelot is among the texts slated for removal. The book, currently listed as suggested reading in DU's MA Political Science curriculum, offers a comprehensive analysis of Hindu nationalism from colonial times to contemporary India. Its exploration of issues such as secularism, communal relations, and diaspora politics has drawn criticism from review panelists who reportedly view it as ideologically sensitive. Also under review is In the Belly of the River by sociologist Amita Baviskar, which has been part of the Public Policy in South Asia course. The book delves into the Narmada Bachao Andolan and interrogates the 'Hinduisation' of tribal identities, subjects some faculty members say are being red-flagged for their perceived alignment with anti-majoritarian narratives. Meanwhile, Routine Violence by historian Gyanendra Pandey has already been dropped from the syllabus. The text critically engages with post-Independence political discourse, examining how dominant Hindu-centric ideologies sidelined minority perspectives. Pandey's critique of figures like VD Savarkar and MS Golwalkar, alongside a reassessment of Gandhi's rural idealism, has reportedly contributed to its exclusion. Controversial cuts extend to History curriculum The Political Science department is not the only one witnessing academic realignment. In the MA History programme, several foundational readings are now under scrutiny. Phillip Wagoner's essay Sultan Among Hindu Kings , which examines syncretic court practices at Vijayanagara, and Richard Eaton's The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier , which interprets Islam's spread in Bengal as a product of socio-economic transformation rather than military coercion, are both facing potential elimination. Critics argue that such removals risk eroding the analytical complexity of historical education and silencing scholarly interpretations that deviate from majoritarian narratives. Political undercurrents and post-Pahalgam revisions The latest proposals follow a series of syllabus cuts approved by DU in late June, including entire papers from the PG Political Science programme such as Pakistan and the World, China's Role in the Contemporary World, Islam and International Relations, and Religious Nationalism and Political Violence. Sources within the university allege that these changes were catalyzed by the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, which claimed the lives of Hindu tourists. Following the incident, faculty members were reportedly directed to reconsider content that may be construed as 'sympathetic' to Pakistan or China. The resulting revisions are seen by many as aligning with both national security sentiments and prevailing political ideologies. Institutional process and ideological overtones While the Standing Committee of DU is responsible for proposing syllabus revisions, final decisions rest with the Academic and Executive Councils. However, growing concerns remain within the academic community that the restructuring is less about pedagogy and more about ideological conformity. Observers suggest the overhaul is consistent with the broader contours of the National Education Policy (NEP), which has been critiqued for fostering cultural nationalism under the guise of curricular decolonisation.
India Today
08-07-2025
- Politics
- India Today
Delhi University plans to drop key texts on Hindu nationalism, Islam from syllabus
In a fresh round of proposed syllabus changes, Delhi University is set to drop more critical and controversial readings from its postgraduate Political Science and History the latest texts proposed for removal is Hindu Nationalism: A Reader by political scientist Christophe Jaffrelot. Currently listed as suggested reading in the PG Political Science course, the book traces the ideological roots of Hindu nationalism from the colonial period to the present. It discusses secularism, religious conversions, Hindu-Muslim relations, education, and Hindu identity in the Baviskar's In the Belly of the River, part of the course Public Policy in South Asia, is also likely to be removed. The book covers the Narmada Bachao Andolan and critiques the 'Hinduisation' of tribal communities -- topics considered sensitive by the review book, Routine Violence by Gyanendra Pandey, has already been dropped. It examines the rise of right-wing nationalism and critiques key figures like VD Savarkar and MS Golwalkar, while challenging Gandhi's vision of Hindu villages. The book argues that post-Independence India remained stuck in Hindu-centric frameworks that marginalised TEXTS ALSO UNDER REVIEWThe cuts aren't limited to Political Science. In the MA History programme, several key readings are also on the chopping Wagoner's essay Sultan Among Hindu Kings, which discusses Islamic influence on Hindu court culture at Vijayanagara, and Richard Eaton's The Rise of Islam and the Bengal Frontier, which presents Islam's spread as a socio-economic transition rather than forced conversions, are also facing removal. Critics claim Eaton's views contradict mainstream narratives of RESTRUCTURING IN LINE WITH POLICY AND POLITICSIn late June, DU approved the removal of entire papers from the PG Political Science syllabus that covered Pakistan, China, and Islam in global politics. These included Pakistan and the World, China's Role in the Contemporary World, Islam and International Relations, and Religious Nationalism and Political sources allege that the push to delete these topics came after the April 22 terror attack in Pahalgam, Kashmir, in which Hindu tourists were killed. Professors were reportedly told to review course content seen as 'sympathetic' to Pakistan or the changes, Dr Monami Sinha from DU's Standing Committee said, 'Studies in social science is about discussing problems and finding solutions whether pleasant or unpleasant—there needs to be a discussion. We need to have an objective approach.'According to procedure, the standing committee proposes changes, which are then cleared by the academic and executive councils. Many believe these revisions align with the government's National Education Policy.- Ends advertisement
