The Politics of History Rewriting: Amit Shah’s Agenda and Its Implications

A recent controversy surrounding Amit Shah, the President of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), has brought to light the broader issue of historical narratives and their manipulation in service of political ambitions. The question arises: why is Amit Shah seeking to rewrite history from an Indian perspective, and what does this signify?

Justifications and Motivations

There are several justifications proposed for Amit Shah’s efforts to reframe historical narratives:

Shame and National Trauma: Critics argue that Amit Shah and his parent organization, the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), are deeply ashamed of their past and the role the RSS played during the Indian freedom struggle. The RSS has been accused of being an antinational organization, manipulating history books, and diluting nationalist sentiments. Power and Control: Rewriting history is seen as a means to capture the 'mind-space' of the Indian population. This aligns with the broader strategy of consolidating power and control over public sentiment by shaping how people perceive events and figures from India's past. Strategic Political Maneuvering: The BJP, under the influence of its parent organization RSS, employs strategic political tactics to favor their party line and narrative. This move is an attempt to align historical narratives with contemporary political goals, much like the film Fahrenheit 451, where literature is suppressed to maintain ignorance and control.

Historical Context and Controversies

The push to reframe historical narratives often centers around figures like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, portrayed as a hero of the freedom movement. However, this narrative is contested by many historians and scholars who regard Savarkar as a figure who betrayed India by apologizing to the British government during a critical juncture in the independence movement.

The episode mirrors another controversial move by the current HRD Minister, who suggested incorporating astrology into the curriculum, dubbing it the "biggest science." This further underscores the broader efforts to control narratives and manipulate public perception through selective use of historical and scientific education.

It is important to note that Amit Shah’s efforts to rewrite history aim to provide an impartial and real account, free from the twists and manipulations of the past. This has been seen as a positive step by many, who recognize the need for a transparent and accurate presentation of history to foster real cultural and national pride.

Critiques and Concerns

Several important objections and criticisms are associated with these efforts to reframe historical narratives:

Redux to RSS-BJP Ideology: The push to rewrite history is not a singular decision by Amit Shah but a continuation of the broader RSS-BJP ideology. This ideology seeks to create a narrative that aligns with their political goals, not individual preferences. Deviations from True Intent: The revised histories are often aligned with the party line rather than an absolutely impartial historical perspective. This suggests a deliberate effort to shape public thinking to benefit the party rather than to provide an accurate historical account. Cynical Political Play: The strategic rewriting of history is seen as a cynical move to manipulate public opinion, much like playing 'Chankayan gamesmanship.' This strategy aims to capture the 'mind-space' of a generally gullible population.

In conclusion, the ongoing debate around Amit Shah’s efforts to reframe historical narratives highlights the complex and often politically motivated nature of how history is taught and understood in India. While there is a push for transparency and accuracy, the underlying motives and potential ramifications cannot be ignored.