Key Takeaways
1. Coloniality: The Root of Domination Beyond Colonialism
Coloniality refers to the fundamental element or thought process that informs the policy of colonialism and advances the subtler end goal of colonisation, namely colonisation of the mind through complete domination of the culture and worldview of the colonised society.
Beyond political control. Coloniality is more than just the establishment of colonies (colonization) or the policies that drive it (colonialism). It's the deep-seated mindset that seeks to dominate the culture and worldview of the colonized, aiming for complete mental and spiritual subjugation. It's the "cultural coloniality" that lingers long after political independence is achieved.
Cultural domination. This process involves subtly imposing the colonizer's values, beliefs, and ways of life, often leading to the devaluation or erasure of indigenous knowledge and practices. This can manifest in various forms, from language and education to religion and social norms. The goal is to make the colonized society mirror the colonizer's image.
A lasting legacy. Coloniality's effects persist even after formal decolonization, shaping the thinking, aspirations, and institutions of formerly colonized societies. It creates a distorted consciousness that perpetuates dependence on the colonizer's framework, hindering true self-determination.
2. Decoloniality: Reclaiming Indigenous Agency and Dignity
The goal of decoloniality was to unshackle hitherto colonised societies from the totalising universalisms of European colonialism and its current-day successor, Western imperialism, in order to restore agency and dignity to their consciousness.
Response to coloniality. Decoloniality emerges as a direct response to the pervasive influence of coloniality, seeking to dismantle the Eurocentric framework imposed on colonized societies. It's a movement for reclaiming indigenous consciousness, agency, and dignity.
Rejecting universalism. Decoloniality challenges the notion that European or Western values are universally applicable or superior. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, knowledge systems, and ways of life. It seeks to create a "pluriversal" world where multiple subjectivities can coexist.
Beyond postcolonialism. Unlike postcolonialism, which often focuses on critiquing colonial structures, decoloniality goes further by seeking to dismantle the underlying colonial mindset. It aims to decolonize not just institutions but also the very ways of thinking and being that have been shaped by coloniality.
3. The Christian Underpinnings of European Coloniality
A key intellectual and political conviction of the argument in the Latin American decoloniality literature, revisited in Sai Deepak’s tract, is the overpowering nature of colonial consciousness and the distinctive self-serving mindset of the coloniser as well.
Religious roots. European colonialism wasn't solely driven by economic or political motives; it was deeply intertwined with Christian beliefs and a sense of religious superiority. This conviction fueled the colonizer's belief in their right to "civilize" and convert non-Christian populations.
The Age of Discovery. The voyages of exploration, like Columbus's expedition, were often framed as missions to spread Christianity and "liberate" non-Christian societies from their "wretched existence." This religious justification masked the brutal exploitation and violence that accompanied colonization.
Secularization of Christian ideals. Even in the post-Enlightenment era, Christian values continued to shape colonial policies and attitudes. Concepts like "toleration" and "humanism" were often used to justify interventions in colonized societies, while subtly promoting Christian norms and values.
4. The Devastating Impact of Coloniality on Indigenous Societies
The literature taught me that ‘decoloniality’ was the response to coloniality and the Eurocentric/Western-normative framework introduced in colonised societies by the European coloniser.
Disruption of indigenous systems. Coloniality wreaked havoc on indigenous societies by disrupting their traditional ways of life, knowledge systems, and relationships with nature. This included the suppression of indigenous languages, the imposition of foreign education systems, and the destruction of sacred sites.
Loss of agency. Coloniality led to the erosion of indigenous agency and self-determination. Colonized peoples were often denied the right to govern themselves, practice their own religions, or control their own resources. This created a sense of dependence and inferiority that persisted long after decolonization.
Transgenerational trauma. The effects of coloniality continue to be felt across generations in formerly colonized societies. This includes psychological distress, cultural alienation, and social inequalities. Addressing this transgenerational trauma is a crucial part of the decolonial project.
5. The Westphalian System: A Christian Framework Universalized
In the final analysis, the discerning lawyer, Sai Deepak, underscores the fact that the Government of India Act of 1919 provided the framework for independent Bharat’s Constitution of 1950, while the Government of India Act of 1935 provided its architecture, which he promises to explore further in the sequels to this book.
Origins in religious conflict. The Westphalian system, which established the modern nation-state, emerged from the Thirty Years' War, a conflict rooted in religious divisions within Europe. The Peace of Westphalia, which ended the war, enshrined the principle of state sovereignty and the right of rulers to determine the religion of their territories.
Christian underpinnings. Despite its emphasis on state sovereignty, the Westphalian system was deeply influenced by Christian political theology. Concepts like "toleration" and the separation of church and state were shaped by Christian ideas and experiences.
Universalization of a European model. The Westphalian system was gradually imposed on the rest of the world through colonialism and international law. Non-European societies were expected to adopt the nation-state model and adhere to European norms in order to be recognized as "civilized" members of the international community.
6. The Constitution as a Battleground of Civilizational Identity
We were being told that Bharat was a synthetic product of colonisation, which had no identity or consciousness of its own before the European coloniser set foot on its soil and stitched it together as one ‘nation’.
Clash of worldviews. The Indian Constitution, like those of many formerly colonized societies, has become a site of contestation between competing worldviews. On one side are those who see it as a tool for modernization and progress, based on Western values. On the other are those who seek to reclaim indigenous traditions and values, viewing the Constitution as a potential vehicle for decolonization.
Legitimacy of the Indian State. The very legitimacy of the Indian state is being questioned, with some arguing that it is a mere construct of colonialism, lacking a genuine indigenous identity. This challenges the foundations of the Constitution and its ability to represent the true aspirations of the Indian people.
Reconciling tradition and modernity. The challenge lies in finding a way to reconcile the principles of constitutionalism with the unique civilizational heritage of India. This requires a critical examination of the Constitution's origins and its potential to accommodate indigenous values and perspectives.
7. Bharat: A Civilization, Not Just a Nation
This book is a must-read for everyone who is interested in understanding the relationship between the consciousness of the world’s oldest surviving indigenous civilisation and the Constitution of the world’s largest democracy.
Beyond the nation-state. The book argues that India is more than just a nation-state; it is a civilization with a long and rich history, a distinct cultural identity, and a unique set of values. This civilizational identity predates the arrival of European colonizers and has shaped the country's social, political, and spiritual landscape.
Civilizational consciousness. Recognizing India as a civilization requires acknowledging its indigenous consciousness, its unique ways of knowing, and its distinct approach to life. This includes valuing its traditions, its languages, and its spiritual heritage.
Reclaiming agency. By embracing its civilizational identity, India can reclaim agency over its own destiny and resist the homogenizing forces of Western imperialism. This involves reinterpreting its history, re-evaluating its institutions, and re-imagining its future in a way that is true to its own values.
8. The Unfinished Business: Coloniality's Lingering Influence
Every aspect of Bharatiya society, including its governance and legal structures, originates in colonial constructs that disavow Bharat’s indigeneity.
Subtle yet pervasive. Coloniality continues to exert a subtle yet pervasive influence on Indian society, even after independence. This manifests in the uncritical acceptance of Western norms, the devaluation of indigenous knowledge, and the perpetuation of colonial stereotypes.
Internalized oppression. Coloniality can lead to self-abnegation and self-loathing, as colonized peoples internalize the colonizer's negative perceptions of their own culture. This can hinder their ability to embrace their indigenous identity and pursue their own goals.
The path forward. Overcoming coloniality requires a conscious and sustained effort to decolonize the mind, to reclaim indigenous knowledge, and to build a society that is rooted in its own values and traditions. This is a long and challenging process, but it is essential for achieving true freedom and self-determination.
Last updated:
FAQ
1. What is India that is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, Constitution by J. Sai Deepak about?
- Exploration of coloniality: The book investigates the concept of coloniality, distinguishing it from colonialism and colonisation, and examines its enduring impact on Indian (Bharat’s) society, consciousness, and institutions.
- Civilisational and constitutional analysis: It traces how European Christian colonial frameworks have shaped India’s civilisational identity and constitutional structures, arguing that coloniality persists even after political independence.
- Decolonial imperative: The author advocates for a decolonial approach to reclaim indigenous knowledge, subjectivity, and ways of living, aiming to restore Bharat’s civilisational agency and dignity.
2. Why should I read India that is Bharat by J. Sai Deepak?
- Unique Indian perspective: The book fills a gap in decolonial scholarship by offering a detailed, empathetic Indian viewpoint on coloniality and its lingering effects.
- Interdisciplinary approach: J. Sai Deepak combines legal expertise with civilisational scholarship, providing a rigorous, fact-based critique of colonial myths in law, polity, religion, and education.
- Call for civilisational reclamation: Readers are invited to understand and participate in the decolonisation of India’s mind and institutions, presented as essential for true freedom and dignity.
3. What are the key takeaways from India that is Bharat by J. Sai Deepak?
- Coloniality’s persistence: Coloniality, as a mindset and structure, continues to shape Indian society, law, and consciousness even after independence.
- Civilisation-state vs. nation-state: Bharat is presented as a civilisation-state with unique group-based social organisation, contrasting with the European nation-state model.
- Decoloniality as necessity: The book argues for a decolonial framework to restore indigenous agency, knowledge systems, and civilisational values, moving beyond postcolonial critiques.
4. What is the difference between colonisation, colonialism, and coloniality according to India that is Bharat?
- Colonisation: Refers to the process of establishing control over another territory, exploiting it economically and politically.
- Colonialism: The policy or practice of maintaining colonies and expanding dominion, often through direct rule.
- Coloniality: The underlying mindset and power structures that persist beyond formal colonial rule, aiming at cultural and mental domination, especially through the imposition of European Christian worldviews.
5. How does J. Sai Deepak define “coloniality” and “decoloniality” in India that is Bharat?
- Coloniality as ongoing structure: It is the enduring pattern of power, knowledge, and being imposed by colonialism, shaping worldviews and social orders even after decolonisation.
- Decoloniality as response: Decoloniality seeks to unshackle societies from these patterns, restoring indigenous dignity, subjectivity, and knowledge systems.
- Plural and contextual: Decoloniality rejects universal definitions, allowing each society to define its own path based on unique histories and experiences.
6. How does India that is Bharat explain the impact of European Christian coloniality on Bharat’s indigenous consciousness?
- Christian theological roots: European coloniality was deeply influenced by Christian beliefs, viewing indigenous faiths as ‘false religions’ to be reformed or eradicated.
- Secularisation as a mask: The secular and mercantile motives of colonialism often concealed religious and racial supremacist underpinnings.
- Internalisation of coloniality: Post-independence, many Indian elites internalised colonial narratives, crediting the British for nationhood and progress, which undermines indigenous agency.
7. What is “colonial consciousness” in India that is Bharat, and how does it relate to postcolonial and decolonial thought?
- Definition and effects: Colonial consciousness is the internalised belief in the inferiority of one’s own culture, leading to shame and acceptance of the coloniser’s worldview as universal.
- Critique of postcolonialism: Postcolonial thought often remains within Eurocentric frameworks, celebrating hybridity but failing to challenge the roots of coloniality.
- Decolonial alternative: Decoloniality, as advocated by Deepak, seeks to awaken indigenous consciousness and reclaim the right to define one’s own narratives and frameworks.
8. How does India that is Bharat describe the impact of coloniality on caste, tribe, and social categories in India?
- Colonial invention of caste: The British conflated varna and jati into a rigid, hierarchical system, largely through missionary ethnography and administrative convenience.
- Creation of tribal identity: The ‘tribal’ category was a colonial construct used to classify and control indigenous populations, often facilitating conversion efforts.
- Legacy in social perceptions: These colonial categories continue to shape contemporary debates and identities, often obscuring indigenous understandings of social organisation.
9. What role did colonial education policy play in shaping consciousness, according to India that is Bharat?
- Orientalist vs. Evangelical schools: Competing colonial policies either sought to preserve indigenous knowledge or promote English education as a means to Christianise and ‘civilise’ natives.
- Macaulay’s Minute of 1835: Advocated for English education, dismissing indigenous knowledge and aiming to create a class of Indians loyal to colonial interests.
- Entrenchment of colonial consciousness: Education was used as a tool for social engineering, internalising colonial narratives and marginalising indigenous traditions.
10. How does India that is Bharat critique the Indian Constitution and legal system as products of coloniality?
- Constitution as colonial instrument: The Constitution is seen as a secularised, Protestant-inspired document that perpetuates coloniality by imposing Western norms on indigenous society.
- Essential Religious Practices (ERP) test: This legal doctrine, rooted in Christian theological distinctions, allows the State to regulate Hindu religious institutions more than others.
- Continuity of coloniality: Despite independence, the legal system often marginalises indigenous perspectives and privileges secular or non-Indic frameworks.
11. What is the significance of the “Standard of Civilisation” and the League of Nations in India that is Bharat?
- Imposition of European norms: The ‘Standard of Civilisation’ required non-Western societies to adopt European legal, political, and economic models to be recognised as ‘civilised nations’.
- League of Nations as enforcer: Bharat’s constitutional reforms were shaped by the League’s Christian European framework, promoting ‘responsible government’ rather than true self-rule.
- Legacy in constitutions: These standards embedded coloniality into the legal and political structures of former colonies, including India.
12. How does India that is Bharat by J. Sai Deepak propose a decolonial framework for Bharat’s future?
- Recognition of colonial biases: The book urges critical examination of colonial assumptions in discussions on religion, caste, tribe, education, and constitutionalism.
- Revival of indigenous knowledge: Decolonial reform should aim to revive and respect indigenous ontology, epistemology, and theology, rather than perpetuating colonial frameworks.
- Civilisational vigilance: The author warns against complacency, highlighting the need for ongoing efforts to decolonise consciousness and institutions for Bharat’s civilisational survival.
Review Summary
India that is Bharat is a scholarly work examining the impact of European colonialism on India's consciousness and constitution. Reviewers praise its extensive research and thought-provoking analysis of decoloniality, though some find it dense and biased. The book challenges readers to question Western-centric views and explore India's indigenous perspectives. While critics argue it oversimplifies history, supporters hail it as groundbreaking in addressing India's colonial hangover. The book's complex language and academic approach may be challenging for casual readers, but it is considered essential for those interested in Indian politics and history.
Bharat Trilogy Series
Similar Books
Download PDF
Download EPUB
.epub digital book format is ideal for reading ebooks on phones, tablets, and e-readers.
