At nearly 9,500 years old by carbon dating, the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation that gave rise to Hinduism predates almost every religious tradition in the world. Maj. Gen. G.D. Bakshi's history begins there — and tracks what follows with the thoroughness of a scholar and the conviction of a practitioner writing from inside the tradition he is describing.
Bakshi traces Hinduism's evolution from the Vedic, Epic, and Puranic periods through to the present day. He covers the Vedas received by the ancient Rishis, the Upanishads and Aranyakas, the philosophy of Vedanta, and the twin leitmotifs of Yoga and meditation as instruments of what he calls Experiential Spirituality — the Hindu practice of verifying scriptural truth through direct realisation, not doctrinal assertion. He does not avoid the catastrophic: the Hindu holocaust under Afghan, Turk, Mongol, and Mughal invasions is examined with the same attention he gives to the Bhakti Movement and the reform movements of the colonial era. He traces how the British used caste as a political instrument, how revivalist saints periodically renewed the tradition, and what the post-Independence consolidation of Hindu identity has meant — and cost.
For readers who want a single comprehensive account of how Hinduism came to be what it is today, written by someone who regards it as a living inheritance rather than an object of study.
ABOUT THE BOOK: Hinduism is the oldest religion on this planet with over a billion adherents. It is not based on the dogma of one book, one prophet and one Pope. It has no organised church, no heresy and heretics. It has an open architecture. In this wide ranging history, the author traces its origins in the Indus-Sarasvati civilisation that has been carbon dated to almost 9,500 years before present. It has amazing antiquity and cultural continuity. That is why it is called Sanatana Dharma or the eternal faith by its adherents. The leitmotifs of Hinduism are Meditation and Yoga. It is based on "Experiential Spirituality"-Hindus use Yoga and meditation to experience the truth of the Vedas in their own beings as lived realisations-as Anubhav, Anubhuti and Darshan. The author traces the roots of this great religion to the Vedas which were received by the ancient Rishis in the deep silence of the forests, as were the Upanishads and Aranyakas. He describes the lofty philosophy of the Vedanta which sees the unity of Brahman behind the bewildering multiplicity of beings and things in the cosmos. Unlike the Abrahamic faiths which arose in the deserts, Hinduism is a religion of the forests. The author traces its evolution through the Vedic, Epic and Puranic periods and its emergence from the forests to establish opulent temples in the urban cities. He describes the Hindu holocaust inflicted by foreign invaders over four centuries which killed almost a hundred million Hindus. He tells us of the Indian Military Revival which finally destroyed Mughal tyranny. He describes how India was colonised and enslaved by the British; how they used the fault lines of caste to divide and rule. He describes how a number of revivalist saints have periodically rejuvenated the faith. He describes the post-Independence political consolidation of the Hindu majority and how it was nearly undone recently using the caste card again. He speculates about the future of this faith and calls for a back-to-the- roots movement to take us back to the Vedas and the pristine silence of the forests. CONTENTS Chapter 1 Sarasvati River: The Cradle of Hindu Civilization 43 Chapter 2 Sanatana Dharma: Amazing Antiquity & Cultural Continuities in India 65 Chapter 3 A Forest Civilization 87 Chapter 4 The Vedas: The Source Books of Indian Wisdom 96 Chapter 5 The Upanishads: The Wisdom Tradition of the East 156 Chapter 6 Yoga: The Essential Leitmotif of Hinduism 179 Chapter 7 The Epics: Avataras and Incarnations 200 Chapter 8 Reincarnation and the Law of Karma 211 Chapter 9 Kundalini: Serpent Energy of Evolution 217 Chapter 10 The Puranas: Emergence of Folk Hinduism: The Shift from Forests to Urban Temples 237 Chapter 11 Adi Shankaracharya: The Great Revivalist 245 Chapter 12 The Hindu Holocaust: The Afghan, Turk, Mongol and Mughal Invasions 253 Chapter 13 The Bhakti Movement: Emotive Revival 260 Chapter 14 The Indian Military Revival 274 Chapter 15 The Curse of Caste 284 Chapter 16 British Colonization of the Mind: The Destruction of the Idea of India 295 Chapter 17 Reform and Revivalist Movements in the Colonial Era Ramakrishna Paramahamsa, Swami Vivekananda, Swami Dayananda, Sri Aurobindo and Others 308 Chapter 18 India's Freedom Struggle 334 Chapter 19 The History of Cultural Nationalism 346 Chapter 20 The Onset of Independence: Thorns in the Nation-Building Path: The Quest for Cultural Nationalism 364 Chapter 21 Modernity, Resurgence & Revival: Relevance in Modern Times 378 Foreword Major Gen Dr. G.D. Bakshi has been an important fellow traveler ever since my BREAKING INDIA book came out nearly 15 years ago. Post his retirement from a distinguished military career, he has achieved the stature of a unique figure with an impressive dual role: a Kshatriya defending the nation and a Brahmin scholar deeply engaged in serious academic pursuits. This book builds upon this remarkable legacy as he writes on Hinduism as "Experiential Spirituality". While it has become fashionable for Western scholars to claim that Hinduism lacks a sense of history, the author of this book proves the opposite. Though Hindus did not write their own history in the same linear methodological manner as Westerners wrote of their histories, there exist extensive evidence written, oral, and archeological evidence to compile historical accounts of our past. The Hindu historical narrative is complex, reflecting the depth and breadth of the Hindu worldview. It consists of chronologies of sacred texts, details of significant battles, and major milestones in the development of thought. General Bakshi's meticulous work is a significant addition in such endeavors. It dedicates considerable space to the exploration of the Vedas, Upanishads, Epics, and Puranas. It examines the significant transition from forest Ashramas to urban centers with Temples, the subsequent decline into materialism and hedonism as seen in the Charvaka philosophy, and the rise of Buddhism. The narrative highlights the pivotal contributions of Adi Shankaracharya, hailed as the greatest champion who led the back-to-Vedanta movement. The depths of 'Experiential Spirituality', grounded in anubhav (experience), anubhuti (realization), and darshan (vision) are explored, offering an insider's perspective. General Bakshi emphasizes that our ancestors worshipped nature as divine and hence lived in harmony with it. He urges a revival of folk Hinduism through temples and the recreation of ancient forests to preserve our heritage. These Tapovans, walkable visible spaces without the threat of hidden predators, foster tranquility and a deep connection with nature, making it easier to experience inner peace and spiritual awakening. Such forests cool the earth, calm our minds, and promote meditation, helping us connect with the truths of the Vedas. The origins of Hinduism are traced back to the Sarasvati-Indus Valley civilization, recognized as the cradle of not only Hindu culture but also much of Eurasian civilization. It was here that Sanskrit was born. He presents details of the Vedic lifestyle using images such as terracotta figurines in yoga asanas (postures). He notes an interesting ancient conflict: it was not between the Aryans and the Indigenous Dravidians as some colonial historians suggest, but between the Devas (whom he refers to as Indo-Aryans) and the Asuras or Dasas (whom he refers to as Indo-Iranians). These tribes clashed over their ideological differences in worshiping the sacred fire and the control of Soma, a legendary prized psychotropic plant. Throughout the book, there are comprehensive accounts of significant historical events such as the Muslim invasions, the Bhakti movement, the military revival, and the overthrow of Mughal rule. He provides a nuanced analysis of how these invasions and colonization impacted Hindu civilization such as $45 trillion that was drained out of India. There were deliberately engineered famines and the Hindu holocaust that killed over 100 million people. Significant battles and events are chronicled that are pivotal in understanding the defense mechanisms and the strategic prowess of Hindu freedom fighters. The era of colonization, which disrupted the idea of India, is scrutinized alongside the persistent curse of caste and the endeavors of colonial-era revivalists. The rise of cultural nationalism, represented by organizations like the RSS and VHP, is also explored. In addressing modernity and the present era, the book culminates with a critical examination of the efforts to politically consolidate the Hindu majority in India. The author insightfully analyzes how these efforts were nearly undone in the recent 2024 elections due to the exploitation of caste divisions. General Bakshi's scholarly dedication in documenting these aspects offers a comprehensive view that challenges the notion of a 'history-less' Hinduism. His work is an exemplary contribution to the understanding of India's past, providing clarity and context to its grand narrative. This book is essential reading for Hindu youth as will help them understand and take pride in their rich heritage, and provide a corrected narrative of Indian history that counters colonial distortions. It offers spiritual and philosophical insights relevant to modern life, empowering young readers with knowledge to navigate the present-day world. The book encourages a sense of belonging and fosters well-informed perspectives to counter the negative narratives about Hinduism. It ultimately equips Hindu youth to face contemporary challenges with wisdom and confidence, fostering a proud and informed generation. General Bakshi's book stands as a testament to the enduring legacy of Hinduism's profound and resilient history, offering insights that are educational and inspiring. We at Infinity Foundation extend our heartfelt congratulations to General Bakshi. We hope that scholars and students will engage deeply with this work, referencing it in their academic and personal explorations of Hindu history. It is through works like these that the true essence and historical continuity of Hinduism can be appreciated and preserved for future generations. -Rajiv Malhotra Infinity Foundation, Princeton, USA
