"There are several issues that need more detailed and nuanced analysis rather than straight-jacketed formulations that we read in The Hindus. These concern terminologies and chronologies invoked, perfunctory manner in which class-caste struggles have been referred to — almost casually, complex inter-religious dialogue seen only in the context of Visnu's avataras, and looking at the tantras merely in terms of sex and political power. The work rarely rises above the level of tale telling... On the whole, this is neither a serious work for students of Indian history, nor for those with a critical eye on 'religious history' of India, nor indeed it is the real Alternative History of the 'Hindus'. The main actors of the narrative are not speaking themselves. They merely seem to be mouthing dialogues scripted by the privileged upper classes."
React to this quote
More by Wendy Doniger O'Flaherty
See allResonant Thoughts
"Jesus’ “mysterious” affection for the sinners, which is closely related to his ever-ready militancy against the scribes and pharisees, against every kind of social respectability … contains a kind of …"
"During Muslim rule in India, foreign and Indian Muslims were freely bestowed jobs and gifts. Foreign Muslims were most welcome here. They came in large numbers and were well provided for. Muhammad Tug…"
Explore Further
Related Quotes
"We live in a capitalist economy, and I have no particular objection to honorable self-interest. We cannot h…"
— Stephen Jay Gould"There is more to do. We need to prepare our children to read and succeed in school with improved Head Start…"
— George W. Bush"I had my good looks, my blond hair, my height, build, and bullfighting school, I suppose I became one of th…"
— Norman Mailer"Adding climate change to school curriculums. Geoengineering. Thorium fuel reactors. A Blue New Deal. The Sy…"
— William Rivers Pitt"The fellow who is able to get the grants and contracts is the fellow who gets the doctoral students. Each s…"
— Robert E. Machol"Wolff's faculty profile at The New School"
— Richard D. Wolff

