APPROACHES TO ANCIENT INDIAN HISTORY: HISTORIOGRAPHY
The late 18th and 19th centuries marked a significant era in the historiography of India, characterized by a profound engagement of European, particularly British, scholars with Indian history, culture, and religion. This period, epitomized by the establishment of the Asiatic Society of Bengal in 1784 and the scholarly contributions of figures such as William Jones, Max Müller, and Vincent Arthur Smith, offers a nuanced picture of the interplay between colonial ambitions, religious motivations, and academic inquiry.
Founded by Sir William Jones, the Asiatic Society of Bengal stood at the vanguard of European scholarly engagement with India. Its creation was driven by a dual objective: to unearth and study the ancient texts, artifacts, and historical narratives of the subcontinent, and to document its rich linguistic, cultural, and natural heritage. The society played a pivotal role in laying the foundation for modern Indology, facilitating the translation, analysis, and interpretation of key historical texts. This initiative not only expanded the horizons of European knowledge about India but also set the stage for further scholarly explorations.
The contributions of European intellectuals to the study of Indian history were profound. Scholars like Max Müller, Monier Williams, and Vincent Arthur Smith delved deep into India’s past, translating significant texts and interpreting the rich tapestry of Indian civilization. However, their work was not devoid of the biases of their time — marked by colonial, religious, and nationalist fervours. Their interpretations often mirrored the colonial agenda, aiming to rationalize or justify European domination under the guise of scholarly objectivity.
A significant aspect of this scholarly engagement was the challenge it posed to European religious dominance. The discovery of Indian philosophy, logic, and ancient texts raised questions about the biblical chronology that had been accepted in Europe for centuries. Figures like Thomas Maurice voiced concerns over Indian claims on the antiquity of the universe, which stood in stark contrast to the biblical narrative. This led to efforts, notably by Sir William Jones and Max Müller, to reconcile Indian history with the Bible, attempting to fit the vast timelines of Indian civilization within the 6,000-year limit imposed by the Genesis account.