When the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) assumed power in India in 1998 as the largest party of the National Democratic Alliance; it soon became evident that it prioritized educational reforms. Under BJP rule; a reorganization of the National Council of Educational Research and Training occurred; and in 2002 four new history textbooks were published. This book examines the new textbooks which were introduced; considering them to be integral to the BJP’s political agenda. It analyses the ways in which their narrative and explanatory frameworks defined and invoked Hindu identity. Employing the concept of decontextualization; the author argues that notions of Hindu cultural similarity were conveyed; particularly as the textbooks paid scarce attention to social; geographical and temporal contexts in their approaches to Indian history. The book shows that intrinsic to the textbooks’ emphasis on similarity is a systematic backgrounding of any references to internal lines of division within the Hindu community. Through a comparison with earlier textbooks; it sheds light on the contested nature of history writing in India; especially in terms of nation building and identity construction. This issue is also highly relevant in India today due to the electoral success of the BJP in 2014; and the efforts of the Hindu nationalist organization Vishwa Hindu Parishad to construct a coherent Hinduism. Arguing that the textbooks operate according to the BJP’s ideology of Hindu cultural nationalism; this book will be of interest to academics in the field of South Asian studies; contemporary history; the uses of history; identity politics and Hindu nationalism.
#216294 in Books 2014-09-09 2014-09-09Original language:EnglishPDF # 1 9.52 x .4 x 6.34l; .0 #File Name: 1137278773288 pages
Review
4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. No dusty; dry history here!By Mary Jane StoltzWe sometimes believe our country and our political system were inevitable. A few images of brave and noble citizen-soldiers at Lexington and Bunker Hill; frost-bitten and shivering troops at Valley Forge; and George Washington standing in the prow of a row-boat are all we know of the Revolutionary War. Jack Kelly has given us a concise history of that war and the people who fought it. Of course we know how the story ends but travelling the tenuous path as it happened with all its missteps and mistakes makes for an engrossing read. I especially enjoyed getting to know the heroes and villains of our history as real people with complex personalities and motivations.3 of 3 people found the following review helpful. Liberty; Passion; Bravery and BloodBy TwndggysI'm halfway through the book; but can say it is superbly written and researched. With great detail and historical style; Kelly weaves a reader friendly narrative of the violent rebellion that gave birth to our Nation. The story is about the gentleman Generals and citizen Officers thrust into the unfamiliar role of war and leadership often with little qualification other than the will to serve and die along with the men they led. The book chronicles the campaigns and battles highlighting various Patriot leaders; most you've never heard of. The ultimate gentleman General; George Washingtom figures prominently in the timeline. This should be required reading in our schools. Most Americans don't have a clue about the passion and bravery of our founding fighting citizens willing to die for the Freedom we enjoy today.4 of 4 people found the following review helpful. It reads like a thriller whose heroes are constantly on the precipice ...By William L WatermanBand of Giants is a fascinating take on the American revolution. It reads like a thriller whose heroes are constantly on the precipice of disaster but who prevail in the end. It made me realize what a cliffhanger the American War of Independence really was. Band of Giants illuminates the immense contributions of several little-known American heroes who now; hopefully; will get their historical due. It's a must-read for American history buffs or just anyone who loves a good page-turner.William
