Imagined Histories in Independent India

Imagined histories produce agenda-setting and biased interpretations. Caste has been used and abused as both a term and a category of analysis. It is not confined to one faith but exists in every faith, especially in South Asia, where it stands out prominently. Are we more casteist for seeking political and economic benefits? The dream of the greatest Indian, Babasaheb Dr BR Ambedkar, who was marginalised by those in power until 2014 is one we need to take very seriously today. The Left and Liberal academia avoided him because he was very critical of their hypocrisy. At best, they praised a select few who were in power and helped them to exercise authority without ever winning elections. There are major gaps in the writing of Indian history where, by design or intention, there has been a clear attempt to agenda set in favour of a Republican dynasty, which continues to dominate textbooks and publicly funded institutions. Are we suggesting that only one family won us freedom while all the others who sacrificed their lives have been marginalised?