Archive · 20 Jun 2025
Historian Discusses History's Weaponization in India
In a podcast, historian Manu Pillai talked about how people view history in India today.
He said that the way history is written and talked about is very important.
Pillai thinks that Hindutva has used history to help people feel connected to a group.
He also said that people who aren't on the same side sometimes focus too much on small details and not the bigger picture, making it harder for people to understand and feel connected to history.
He also noted that being a historian today means being involved in discussions, and it's not always easy.
Historian Manu Pillai discusses the weaponization of history in the context of India.
Pillai suggests that Hindutva has successfully used history to shape identity.
Secular forces, according to Pillai, focus too much on academic details.
The contentious nature of history as a subject is highlighted.
Pillai acknowledges the challenges faced by historians in the public eye.
- Who
- Historian Manu Pillai.
- What
- An interview discussing how different groups in India use and understand history.
- When
- The time of the podcast recording is not mentioned, but the topic is relevant to today's discussions.
- Where
- The interview took place on the Scroll Adda podcast.
- Why
- To discuss how different groups in India approach and utilize history.
Secular Forces
Hindutva
Approach to History
Secular Forces
Focus on a footnoted version of history
Hindutva
Embrace methods of constructing identity with history
- Subject
- History and its interpretation in India
- Source
- Scroll Adda podcast
- Featured Speaker
- Historian Manu Pillai
- Key Topic
- The weaponization of history