Understanding the Impact of Colonialism: Postcolonial Hindu Studies
Colonialism, known for its political and economic domination, also had a significant impact on culture and knowledge. Through various intellectual works like translations, commentaries, and travelogues, the colonizers sought to represent, study, and classify the colonized societies. This intervention aimed to dismantle the native worldview and disrupt their understanding of themselves and the world.
In the case of India, Hindus, and Hinduism, colonialism inflicted what is now referred to as “epistemic violence.” It involved distorting and disconnecting them from their own knowledge systems and cosmological foundations. Sadly, the effects of this violence continue today. Mainstream academia often perpetuates a distorted and demonized narrative, while postcolonial India has not thoroughly examined and addressed the impact of this discourse on its culture and traditions, especially Hinduism.
The Certificate programs in “Postcolonial Hindu Studies” aim to explore colonialism as a discourse – the literary, representational, and ideological aspects that accompanied its political and material dominance. The programs will delve into how Hindus, influenced by colonial texts, absorbed and internalized Western theories and perspectives about themselves. It will challenge the notion that these Western viewpoints represent the truth about their own culture and civilization. The programs will also seek to understand the ways in which Hindu culture and civilization have been marginalized and undermined as a result of colonial rule.
Moreover, these programs will explore the concept of decolonization, which involves questioning European categories and ways of thinking, seeking freedom from colonial knowledge systems. Lastly, they will examine and promote the retrieval, recovery, and revitalization of pre-colonial Hindu culture and knowledge.
In essence, the “Postcolonial Hindu Studies” programs provide a platform to critically analyze the impact of colonialism, challenge dominant narratives, and work towards reclaiming and celebrating the rich heritage of Hindu culture.
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