Paper: GS – I, Subject: History-Ancient, Topic: Broad/Overlap, Issue: Safeguarding India’s civilizational heritage.
Context:
Civilisational remembrance should be encouraged by celebrating those who resisted invasions during India’s medieval period. A counter to the selective amnesia towards defenders of Indic civilisation and heritage during waves of invasions (8th–16th century) is needed.
Key Highlights:
Civilisational Journey of India:
- Continuity: India’s civilisation is marked by continuity over thousands of years.
- Critical introspection: Deep spiritual inquiry, scientific advancement, and cultural sophistication is a key feature.
- Historical Resistance to Invasions:
- Between 8th to 16th centuries India faced repeated invasions.
- Over 12,000 temples destroyed; sacred sites looted or desecrated.
- Despite aggression, India didn’t submit but saw emergence of Dharma-based resistance.
- Cultural arena:
- Vijayanagara Empire: cultural and spiritual bulwark in the south.
- Hampi and Talikota battle (1565) — not just a geopolitical event but a civilisational rupture.
- Shivaji as a Civilisational Symbol:
- Administrative arena: Combined military acumen with spiritual vision, justice, and cultural revival.
- Swaraj and Civilization: Declared Swaraj in 1674 — a civilisational reclamation, not just a political movement.
- Justice and Cultural protection: Protected temples, rebuilt shrines, promoted women’s rights, ensured justice for the oppressed.
- Religious harmony: Included Muslims in administration, supported pluralism and meritocracy.
- Cultural Legacy and Dharma:
- Indian resistance was not episodic, but sustained by a spiritual and cultural responsibility.
- Dharma guided rulers to protect sacred geography, uphold ethical governance, and preserve civilisational continuity.
But civilisational amnesia crept in:
- Glorification of invaders: Indian education and public discourse glorified invaders or colonisers over native defenders.
- Limited awareness: Lack awareness of the sacrifices made by defenders of Indic civilisation.
Reclaiming civilizational heritage:
- Reclaim and renewal: Time to reclaim festivals, events, and heroes that signify spiritual and cultural renewal.
- Strengthen philosophical Foundation: Swami Vivekananda’s call “Arise, awake, and stop not till the goal is reached.” is a guiding mantra.
- Safeguarding Indian ethos: Revival of civilisational identity through Spiritual revival is key to sustaining India’s ethical and cultural fabric.
- Promoting civilisational Continuity: Despite scientific and technological strides (e.g., Moon and Mars missions), civilisational roots must remain nourished.
- Unity and strength: Reclaiming the past is not chauvinism, but remembrance and gratitude and a source of moral resilience and unity.
Conclusion:
India must honour those who defended her civilisational essence, not just territorial sovereignty. Civilisational pride should inform education, governance values, and cultural celebrations.
La Excellence IAS Academy, the best IAS coaching in Hyderabad, known for delivering quality content and conceptual clarity for UPSC 2025 preparation.
FOLLOW US ON:
◉ Youtube : https://www.youtube.com/@CivilsPrepTeam
◉ Facebook: https://www.facebook.com/LaExcellenceIAS
◉ Instagram: https://www.instagram.com/laexcellenceiasacademy/
GET IN TOUCH:
Contact us at info@laex.in, https://laex.in/contact-us/
or Call us @ +91 9052 29 2929, +91 9052 99 2929, +91 9154 24 2140
OUR BRANCHES:
Head Office: H No: 1-10-225A, Beside AEVA Fertility Center, Ashok Nagar Extension, VV Giri Nagar, Ashok Nagar, Hyderabad, 500020
Madhapur: Flat no: 301, survey no 58-60, Guttala begumpet Madhapur metro pillar : 1524, Rangareddy Hyderabad, Telangana 500081
Bangalore: Plot No: 99, 2nd floor, 80 Feet Road, Beside Poorvika Mobiles, Chandra Layout, Attiguppe, Near Vijaya Nagara, Bengaluru, 560040
