The Continent of Circe
Encyclopedia
The Continent of Circe was a 1965 book of essays written by Indian author Nirad C. Chaudhuri
. It won the Duff Cooper Prize
. In this book, Chaudhuri discusses Indian society from a socio-psychological perspective. It has been described as one of the most brilliant display of command over a nations heartbeat by understanding the pulse of its natives, in this case Hindus who form 80% of population of India.
In this collection of essays Nirad Chaudhari has commented on Hindu society right from prehistoric time to modern India post Independence in 1947, displaying militarism attitude, which is a way of life in India from time immemorial.
Author has given a clear and concise account of various anthropological sub groups dominating the Indian subcontinent and inherent struggle between class, society etc. right from immigration of Aryans to later settlements of Huns in western India.
This book gives historical evidence to do away with the "pacifist" theory of India been a peace loving nation further cemented by principles of non violence preached by Gandhi in his 30–40 years of political career. Author holds different views and brings out the inherent love for violence in Hindus stretching right from Emperor Ashoka (his battle of Kalinga) to Imperial Guptas, till the time India was invaded by Mughals in early 15th century.
In this book is has been emphasized that the Indian ( or the majority of them ) are descendants of the aryans who originally came from the plain fields of lower Europe. then having stated this much he now turns to describe how the heat and humidity of the new home of the aryans began to model their behavior and how much a colonial British officer resembled those people in his transformation in the heat of the subcontinent.
Focal point of the book revolves around the fact that every major Hindu king /dynasty had followed the path of war to secure and capture new domains and violence is very much a part of life of Indian society. This is further corroborated by historical evidence as can be seen in epics like Mahabharat, Ramayan, Poems of SamudraGupta etc. which gives graphic description of wars fought on colossal scale.
Lust for violence flows thick in Hindus' veins and can be incited at a slightest of provocation.
Must read for anyone who is keenly interested in understanding the complex matrix of society that exists in India and its sub components.
Nirad C. Chaudhuri
Italic textNirad C. Chaudhuri was a Bengali−English writer and cultural commentator...
. It won the Duff Cooper Prize
Duff Cooper Prize
The Duff Cooper Prize is a literary prize awarded annually for the best work of history, biography, political science or poetry, published in English or French. The prize was established in honour of Duff Cooper, a British diplomat, Cabinet member and acclaimed author. The prize was first awarded...
. In this book, Chaudhuri discusses Indian society from a socio-psychological perspective. It has been described as one of the most brilliant display of command over a nations heartbeat by understanding the pulse of its natives, in this case Hindus who form 80% of population of India.
In this collection of essays Nirad Chaudhari has commented on Hindu society right from prehistoric time to modern India post Independence in 1947, displaying militarism attitude, which is a way of life in India from time immemorial.
Author has given a clear and concise account of various anthropological sub groups dominating the Indian subcontinent and inherent struggle between class, society etc. right from immigration of Aryans to later settlements of Huns in western India.
This book gives historical evidence to do away with the "pacifist" theory of India been a peace loving nation further cemented by principles of non violence preached by Gandhi in his 30–40 years of political career. Author holds different views and brings out the inherent love for violence in Hindus stretching right from Emperor Ashoka (his battle of Kalinga) to Imperial Guptas, till the time India was invaded by Mughals in early 15th century.
In this book is has been emphasized that the Indian ( or the majority of them ) are descendants of the aryans who originally came from the plain fields of lower Europe. then having stated this much he now turns to describe how the heat and humidity of the new home of the aryans began to model their behavior and how much a colonial British officer resembled those people in his transformation in the heat of the subcontinent.
Focal point of the book revolves around the fact that every major Hindu king /dynasty had followed the path of war to secure and capture new domains and violence is very much a part of life of Indian society. This is further corroborated by historical evidence as can be seen in epics like Mahabharat, Ramayan, Poems of SamudraGupta etc. which gives graphic description of wars fought on colossal scale.
Lust for violence flows thick in Hindus' veins and can be incited at a slightest of provocation.
Must read for anyone who is keenly interested in understanding the complex matrix of society that exists in India and its sub components.