CH – 7

The Heritage of India

In this post we have given the summary of the chapter “The Heritage of India”. It is the 7th chapter of the prose of Class 12th Up board English. 

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Written by: – A. l. Basham

About the Author: –

Distinguished British historian and scholar, visited India in September 1985. Deep understanding of human life and Indian culture. Died on January 27, 1986 because of cancer in Calcutta. Famous book “The Wonder that was India” present extract “The Heritage of Indian” has been selected from this book.

About Chapter: –

Introduced social reforms by Ram Mohan Roy. Vivekananda brought social work in focus through nationalist tinge as he said, one can be most useful to the nation through social work. Mahatma Gandhi tried to make social work of religious significance. Mahatma Gandhi was inspired by Western tradition. He believed in egalitarianism and extremely opposed the caste tradition, even he believed in fundamentals of ancient culture. other principles were inspired from 19th century European liberalism. Gandhi’s faith was in non-violence and his pacifism was European. He was inspired from Tolstoy and the “Sermon on the Mount”. He passionately advocated for women’s rights and was an innovator.  Nowadays Some Indians are not proud of their culture, In future India may develop even further, upcoming generations will produce convincing Indians who will be rooted in their pride traditions. They will not be an imitation of European visionaries. It’s an achievement that, people are not indulging in derogatory comments about their nation or giving extreme dominance to culture. Hindu culture has adopted and adapted to many foreign cultures over the centuries like Greek, Roman, Persian, Arab Mesopotamian, Indo-European, Iranian, etc. Hindu civilization still continues even if it’s affected by foreign elements. Bhagwad Gita still inspire men of action and the Upanishads men of thought. Charm of quiet, happy and peaceful ways of Hindu civilization. People love and be awed by the tales of heroes in Mahabharata, Ramayana, love of Dushyant, Shakuntala and Pururavas and Urvasi. Extravagant in the Hindu culture is forgotten. Animal sacrifices had forgotten. Women study, widows live, brahmans touch the lower castes, girls are not married in a young age, more reforms are religiously followed. Caste system is abolished, temples are open for everyone. Awareness and increased implementation. Face of traditional family is changing present-day conditions. Infect, India is changing, adapting but the cultural tradition will never be lost.