New Books in Indian Religions Lavanya Vemsani, "Reframing India in World History" (Lexington Books, 2024)
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Apr 3, 2025 Lavanya Vemsani, the author of "Reframing India in World History," sheds light on India's overlooked contributions to global history and its indigenous patterns of civilization. She critically examines colonial narratives that have skewed perceptions of Indian history, advocating for a fresh, evidence-based perspective. Vemsani discusses the significance of historical continuity in Indian culture and challenges traditional frameworks to reclaim India's rightful place in world history. Her insights invite listeners to rethink longstanding historical constructs.
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Indian Perspective on Indian History
- Indian history has been narrated from various perspectives, but not from an Indian one.
- This book aims to rectify this by presenting Indian history based on Indian facts and perspectives.
True Beginnings of Indian History
- The beginnings of Indian history are often misrepresented due to a reliance on the Aryan invasion theory.
- This book uses evidence-based research, including prehistory and genetic history, to establish a more accurate starting point.
Reframing Historical Eras
- Standard historical periodization (ancient, medieval, modern) doesn't fit Indian history.
- Vemsani proposes four eras: foundational, formative, Indian/civilizational, and crisis.
