The Bias of Western Indologists in Studying Ancient Indian Literature and History

Throughout history, the study of Indian literature, history, and philosophy by Western scholars has often been marred by bias and mistrust. This article delves into the question of whether these scholars approached their work with the intention to understand these complex cultures or with a preconceived notion that natives were incapable of self-rule and self-governance.

Biased Perspectives and Depictions of Indians

One of the most prominent examples of biased depictions of India and its people can be found in the publication Sketches of Indian Life by Champman London, released in 1890. The cover page of the book, showing Indians as primitive and ignorant, encapsulates the somewhat patronizing viewpoint held by some British and German writers of that era. These scholars, many of whom were racial and biased, often portrayed Indians in a way that justified the colonial presence and the need for external rule.

The Origins of Bias and Its Impact

The bias exhibited by Western scholars is not merely a reflection of their cultural background but also a result of their colonial mindset. In Western thought, the success and progress in the material world are often seen as the key to validation. They struggled to acknowledge that the advantages for agriculture and food production in the subcontinent, such as a comfortable climate and monsoon rains, were well within the scope of ancient Indian knowledge. For instance, it is a matter of simple logic that humans would have discovered the benefits of farming, planting, and harvesting even before complex civilizations emerged.

Unbiased or biased is a subjective measure, and even those who claim to be unbiased may harbor underlying prejudices. In Hinduism, the concept of Nishkama karma (action without attachment to the results) reveals the importance of unbiased actions. However, the Western perspective often values the success achieved in the physical world, disregarding the wisdom and practices of ancient civilizations.

Uncovering the Bias in Ancient History

The study of ancient Indian history often reveals the bias of scholars, even in academic contexts. For example, the discovery of agriculture is commonly attributed to a few thousand years before the common era, while the Narmada man with a fully developed brain and the use of dyes for cave paintings are often underestimated.

Some may argue that the evidence of ancient civilizations, such as the portrayal of horseback riding and hunting scenes in cave paintings, must be dismissed as mere artistic liberties. Yet, the presence of such depictions suggests that horses were already around, and humans had developed a symbiotic relationship with them long before the paintings were created. This underestimation of the ancients is a result of the bias that tends to downplay the wisdom and practices of earlier civilizations.

The Politics of Historical Theories

Historical theories, such as the Aryan race theories, have been influenced by political and ideological motivations. Initially, the idea of an "Out of India" theory proposed by earlier scholars was discarded due to the prevailing notion that Europe was far more advanced than the East. This led to the invention of the "Aryan Invasion Theory," which was heavily influenced by political interests.

Despite evidence to the contrary, the Aryan Invasion Theory was not re-evaluated or discarded, further entrenching a biased perspective in academic circles. Even to this day, the admission of error is rare, and many scholars continue to uphold the theory, reflecting the deep-seated biases that persist in academic and historic circles.

Like many other historical theses, the Aryan Invasion Theory remains a hotly debated topic, with the underlying biases driving the discourse. As evidence continues to emerge, it is crucial for scholars to re-examine their preconceived notions and embrace unbiased thinking.