Naipaul & Karnad.
The report, " Karnad slams Naipaul" (The Indian Express,3/11/12) makes
sad reading as one
writer condemns another for his views on history, and this in a
democratic country which values freedom of expression. V.S. Naipaul,
who has a special attachment to India due his Indian ancestry, has
written extensively on India after meeting many ordinary Indians and
visiting various parts of India. After visiting Hampi, where one can
see the destruction of a great city, he writes that the Indian history
books mention invasion of India by Persians and Afghans who happened
to be Muslims as the 'arrival of Islam' as if they were some tourists..
All that he points out is that these invasions have not just destroyed
cities and temples but the inquisitive and innovative spirit of India.
Indian people
have became more conservative and defensive. This may or may not be
accurate but it is his view or his interpretation. Of course, it is
almost opposite of what the Indian government and its historians have
been telling us in our schools. In a democratic country issues of this
nature should be discussed dispassionately rather than criticize the
views." I do not agree with you but I will defend your right to hold your
views" sums up the democratic spirit.Can his views on Indian history
be held against him as a great writer of our time ?
November 4,2012.
******.
