Archive · 14 Jan 2026
UPSC Secretary Launches Book on Hindu Civilization
Shashi Ranjan Kumar, who works for the Union Public Service Commission, wrote a book called 'The Decline of Hindu Civilization: Lessons from the Past'.
He launched this book in New Delhi.
In his book, he talks about how Hindu civilization was very advanced in areas like mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy.
He also discusses why this civilization started to decline.
Kumar says that the past should be understood honestly, without too much pride or blame.
He uses old texts and stories to explain his ideas.
At the book launch, other experts talked about how the book is fair and important.
They agreed that understanding the past can help us learn for the future.
Shashi Ranjan Kumar, UPSC Secretary, launched his book 'The Decline of Hindu Civilization: Lessons from the Past' at the India International Centre, New Delhi.
The book aims to provide a balanced view of Hindu civilization, avoiding extreme distortions of either celebrating it as perfect or dismissing it as superstitious.
Kumar highlights India's past achievements in mathematics, astronomy, and philosophy, while also examining the reasons for its decline.
The book is structured into four sections: The Zenith, The Decline, The Defeats, and The Reasons, covering various aspects of culture, politics, society, and intellectual thought.
Experts at the launch praised the book for its balanced approach and timely relevance, emphasizing the importance of understanding the past without assigning blame.
- Who
- Shashi Ranjan Kumar, Secretary of the Union Public Service Commission and author of the book
- What
- Launch of the book 'The Decline of Hindu Civilization: Lessons from the Past'
- When
- Date not specified in the article
- Where
- India International Centre, New Delhi
- Why
- To present a balanced view of Hindu civilization's past achievements and declines
- Book Title
- The Decline of Hindu Civilization: Lessons from the Past
- Author
- Shashi Ranjan Kumar
- Publisher
- Rupa Publications
- Launch Venue
- India International Centre, New Delhi
- Book Sections
- The Zenith, The Decline, The Defeats, The Reasons
- Key Themes
- Mathematics, Astronomy, Philosophy, Warfare, Statecraft
- Primary Sources
- Chachnama, Tabaqat-i-Nasiri, Kitab-i-Yamini, Futuh al-Buldan, Kitan al-Hind, Travel accounts of al-Istakhri