Author: Harsh Narain
Publisher: Voice of India
Year: 1997
Language: English
Pages: 76
ISBN/UPC (if available): 8185990451
Description
Is Indian culture a composite culture, a cultural unity composed predominantly of pre-Muslim Indian culture and Muslim culture? This analytical work describes it as a myth.
The stated on unstated postulates of 'secular' reasoning in the present context are:
1 That Indian culture is a composite culture.
2. That the composite culture is pre-eminently the culture supervenient upon the mingling of the
Hindu and Muslim cultural streams.
3. That the Hindus should be thankful to the Muslims for the latter's contribution to the composite
culture.
4. That is this phase of Indian culture which of paramount importance as conducive to communal
harmony and national integration.
5. That such a composition of cultures is always desirable.
On the other side, cultural purists tend to dismiss the idea of a composite cultur4e out of hand and assert that it is civilization rather than culture which can afford to be composite. Is it so as a matter of fact or as a matter of logic.
This work seeks to analyze the contending view points.
Contents
The Myth of Composite Indian Culture
India: Dar Al-Harb or Dar Al-Islam
The Myth of Unity and Equality of Religions