NAGPUR July 7: History textbooks should be re-written to include the latest research findings that expose the political designs of European historians in distorting Indian history, and also to give authentic versions of the glorious events in the ancient history and culture of the sub-continent, demanded noted scholar Dr Ajaymitra Shastri.

Dr Shastri was awarded the prestigious `Jijamata Vidwat Gaurav Puraskar' by Chhatrapati Sewa Pratishthan at a function held at IMA hall, presided over by Dr Madhukar Ashtikar, Chairman, Maharashtra Sahitya Sanskruti Mandal.The award and citation were presented to Dr Ajaymitra Shastri amidst chanting of Vedic hymns by pandits led by Arvikar Shastri. D B Ghumre of Chhatrapati Sewa Pratishthan made introductory remarks and Mukund Meshkar read out the citation.

Speaking on the occasion, the noted scholar of Indian history and culture, Dr Ajaymitra Shastri, observed that it was imperative to look at Indian history from a revised angle. The study of ancient Indian history should not be restricted to the study of places and events that fall within the present geo-political boundaries of India. It is necessary to take the entire `Bharatvarsha' (Indian sub-continent) into consideration, else the study would remain seriously handicapped, he said.

Dr Shastri regretted that many students of history still believe in European versions which are full of deliberate distortions. These arise from their need to interpret history from a point-of-view that is convenient to their political interests. To clarify his point Dr Ajaymitra cited several areas in Indian history which are highly distorted in the European version, like the Aryan invasion the Aryan-Dravidian conflict, the Harappan civilisation, the Vedas and the Indian culture.

The theories they extended and the versions they foisted remained uncontested for centuries due to European hegemony and therefore wrong impressions were carried on by masses and generations of students and scholars of history, Ajaymitra said.

Research work based on excavations in the last 50 years is now available, thoroughly exposing European historians, the scholar said. Their theories about the conflict between Aryan and Dravidians, destruction of Harrapan civilisation by invading Aryans, about ancient Indian values and ethos were proved wrong. The research work is available to study the ancient Indian history and culture in right perspective. Many historians, Indians and Americans, have studied the material to establish that the Indian sub-continent was always a one single geographic and cultural entity.

Unfortunately, it has not yet been included in textbooks. The latest work has remained confined to research books depriving Indian history students of latest developments in the field. Corrective measures should be initiated without delay, he said.

Copyright © 1997 Indian Express Newspapers (Bombay) Ltd.