I had no desire to enter into the controversy. I am now in the dialogue because the NCERT has been brought in. The question may be answered without holding any brief for any of the parties involved in the first dispute.
The NCERT has no axe to grind. On history or allied matter its object is India or its components. A community may be the object of description but without a motive. Its objective dispassionate approach acts like a shield.
Doniger’s approach is different. Hindus but no Hinduism, and the cart of ‘alternative history’ has been put before the horse of ‘induction’. Why not Hinduism if it is an academic approach? It is exceptional to find community-centric motivated approach in an NCERT book. In case of any such occurrence they are rectified.
I just pointed to the vulnerability of book without taking side.
Best
DB
I have learnt from a reliable source that Mr. Batra initiated no less than ten lawsuits against NCERT's (NCERT stands for National Council for Educational Research and Training) textbooks during the years 2004-2010. He lost all of them. Isn't it strange that Penguin so easily gives in, when NCERT fought back and won. One would assume that a great company like Penguin can manage the legal fees involved.Best to allStella SandahlProfessor Stella Sandahl 9retired)Department of East Asian Studies130 St. George St. room 14087Toronto, ON M5S 3H1Tel. (416) 978-4295Fax. (416) 978-5711
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