So I am reading this book right now and just finished reading the essay titled “The Reach of Reason.” In this essay Amartya Sen sets up a case for having an integrationist approach to studying Indian history wherein the role of the Mughals is as important as that of the rulers before them. However, what is concerning is that in the 22 page essay, there are about 4 pages describing the philosophies of Akbar and only 2 passing references made to Chanakya and his book Arthashastra. Chanakya’s economic theories have not been explained in the essay at all and Akbar’s philosophies and their relevance has been explained in great depth.
Part of this may arise from the reason that Amartya Sen believes Hindutva activists marginalize the minorities in this country and their voice is not heard. Amartya Sen gives examples of the Babri Masjid being demolished in Ayodhya due to references of Ayodhya being the kingdom of Ram and such other intolerance that is practised by many pseudo Hindutva activists in the country. And that is indeed a cause of concern as has been noted in the recent debates on intolerance in the country.
Based on what we learnt in school, the Hindu religion has been developed as an assimilation of the cultures of many kingdoms in India over a period of time. And such intolerance as is seen in the pseudo Hindutva activists in India today is against the idea of Hindusim.
As Amartya Sen notes, India was a predominantly Buddhist country during the reign of King Ashoka, who too adopted Buddhism eventually. Incidentally, there is no reference to the philosophies of Ashoka in the essay as well. And Ashoka is considered to be among the greatest rulers to have ruled India, along with Akbar.
Amartya Sen also tries to argue that many of these religious beliefs are inhibiting the use of reason and the reach of reason in the society.
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