It was interesting reading Lord Popat’s in-depth summarisation of Dr Shashi Tharoor’s widely publicised book “Inglorious Empire” in AV. Congress MP Dr Shashi Tharoor is no doubt an intelligent politician at international level, being Deputy UN High Commissioner. Looking at the history of India, not many historians will lend their sup- port to his summarization.
India’s share of world GDP may have declined, first under Moghul, then under British rule, especially going back in history to Mauryan and Gupta period when India was the granary of the world. No one nation could dominate the world economy indef- initely. Look at the past glorious empires, from Egyptian, Persian, Greek, Roman to British; all have declined even more than India. Then there is saying, lies, damn lies and statistics.
India’s unbelievable wealth, culture and civilization drew invaders from across the world. How such a mighty nation fell prey to these invaders? The answer is simple, although not many Indians would admit. It was disunity, jealousy and lack of patrio- tism, respect for Indian culture and religion that brought this once mighty nation to its knees. Rajput kings hated each other more than they hated Greek, Moghul and British invaders, who sided with them against their own patriotic kings like Porus, betrayed by King Ambhi of Taxila, Maha Rana Pratap and Shivaji who with his son Sambhaji was delivered in chains to Aurangzeb by his Rajput General Jai Sinh. I am sure this letter will draw more comments from my fellow letter-writers.
Bhupendra M. Gandhi
By email
