IGNCA hosts lecture on Indian history, MP highlights cultural legacy

The Indira Gandhi National Centre for the Arts (IGNCA) hosted the Shri Devendra Swaroop Memorial Lecture, focusing on ‘Itihasa Ke Sandarbh Mein Bharat’ (Indianness in the Context of History). Rajya Sabha MP Sudhanshu Trivedi delivered the keynote address, sharing his views on India’s historical and cultural legacy. The event was presided over by IGNCA president Ram Bahadur Rai, while Prof Ramesh Chandra Gaur, Head of the Kala Nidhi Division and Dean (Administration) at IGNCA, delivered the welcome address. On the occasion, the book Shodh Purush - Shri Devendra Swaroop, edited by Hitesh Shankar, was also released.

In his speech, Trivedi emphasised India’s historical uniqueness, stating, “Unlike other nations that have become part of history, India has remained a living civilization from ancient times to the present day. We are the only civilization that continues uninterrupted from the ancient world.”

Comparing Indian and Western approaches to history, he noted a fundamental difference. “The West defines history as a record of past events with precise timelines. In contrast, Indian history presents past events in a way that reinforces moral values in the present. That is why our history is Ramlila, Ramayana, and Mahabharata. We have records of when and where Lord Rama was born, but what matters more is the example he set for society.” He cited Tulsidas’ Ramcharitmanas, which describes history as a sacred narrative capable of dispelling misconceptions.

Trivedi also questioned the reliance on archaeological evidence in historical debates, citing the Ram Mandir dispute as an example. “Some claimed there was no archaeological proof of a temple before the 12th century. But I ask them, was there any archaeological evidence of a structure before December 6, 1992?”

He highlighted what he called conspiracies against Indian history, arguing that colonial and ideological influences have distorted historical narratives. “The biggest frauds against Indian history have been committed by the ‘M factor’—Macaulay’s 19th-century ideology and Marxist thought in the 20th century,” he said. In a lighter vein, he added, “If you are thinking of another ‘M factor,’ I trust your intelligence.”

Presiding over the event, Ram Bahadur Rai shed light on Devendra Swaroop’s unpublished diaries, discussing their insights into traditional and modern perspectives on Indian history. He emphasised that India’s history is deeply embedded in its scriptures, particularly the Puranas, and referenced the English book Seven Rishis (Saptarishi), which aligns with Devendra Swaroop’s extensive research. He also announced plans for IGNCA to publish Swaroop’s diaries as a book.

In his concluding remarks, Ramesh Chandra Gaur expressed gratitude to the attendees and highlighted the efforts of the Kala Nidhi Division in preserving personal collections. He also shared plans to publish 36 unpublished diaries of Devendra Swaroop.