THE PSEUDO-SCIENTIFIC POLITICS OF BJP’S HINDUTVA: A COMPILATION

Posted on 26th December, 2022

Updated on 5thSeptember , 2024 (GMT 19.58)

Abstract

The article titled “The Pseudo-Scientific Politics of Ethnographic Hindutva” critiques the ethnographic and pseudo-scientific narratives promoted by the Hindutva movement. It argues that Hindutva’s attempt to align itself with scientific and ethnographic methods is fundamentally flawed and politically motivated. The compilation examines how these narratives are used to construct a particular version of Indian history and identity that serves the ideological goals of Hindutva, often at the expense of historical accuracy and scientific rigor.

The piece explores how the appropriation of ethnography and pseudo-science is employed to assert the superiority of a constructed Hindu identity while marginalizing other communities. It also highlights the dangers of these narratives in perpetuating communal divisions and promoting a monolithic view of Indian culture that is inconsistent with the country’s pluralistic heritage.

“Religious suffering is, at one and the same time, the expression of real suffering and a protest against real suffering. Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature, the heart of a heartless world, and the soul of soulless conditions. It is the opium of the people.” – Karl Marx, A Contribution to the Critique of Hegel’s Philosophy of Right (1843)

Sorry, dear readers! Please pardon us for reiterating Marx’s famous quote on religion with a special emphasis on “Religion is the sigh of the oppressed creature”. We cannot help ourselves but to cite this enunciation, when we were reading the following one article by Sanjay Kumar:

Hindu nationalists claim that ancient Indians had airplanes, stem cell technology, and the internet VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 13 FEB 2019©The Science)Written by Sanjay Kumar

The article discusses claims by Hindu nationalists that ancient Indians had advanced technologies like airplanes and stem cell technology. These claims, often based on mythological texts, have gained traction in India, particularly among those aligned with the nationalist ideology. Critics argue that these assertions distort history and science, promoting pseudoscience. The article highlights concerns that such beliefs could undermine scientific education and research in India, as well as foster a skewed understanding of the country’s history.

As citizens of one of the most depressed country, India, we have to consume some peculiar pseudo-scientific healing systems from the various platforms of the social, electronic and print media. All of these “truth claims” (summarized below) were delivered targeting the ailing hungry citizens of India by either the political leaders or by the religious Hindu gurus. These “truth claims” had disturbed us too much. We, as ordinary members of the scientific community, started to question ourselves, since the scientific community thrives by hypothesizing the solutions of problems without making any truth-claims:

Why are political leaders and the religious Hindu gurus spreading such peculiar pseudo-scientific notions in the public sphere? What are the causes?

It is a matter of regret to see that even the scientific institutes are subscribing these pseudo-scientific views as they are controlled by the present ruling party, viz., the Bharatiya Janata Party (henceforth BJP). This kind of attitude is to be expected from these funded institutes since they breed on the patron-client relationship, i.e., science is controlled and appropriated by the theocratic state, which is otherwise a failed state. One of the vice-chancellors of BJP-installed ideological state apparatuses recently remarked:

Are professors not expected to be original thinkers? How the JNU VC has undermined her own role VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 12^th September, 2022 ©Scroll)

The article critiques the Vice-Chancellor of Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU) for undermining her own role by suggesting that professors are not required to be original thinkers. It discusses the implications of her statements, arguing that such a stance diminishes the value of academic freedom and intellectual rigor in universities. The piece suggests that this attitude could lead to a decline in the quality of education and research at JNU, traditionally known for its emphasis on critical thinking and academic excellence.

The following 10 “truth”-claims (hyperlinks shared below) are self-explanatory. Whatever it may be, the fact is that rationality, logic, argumentation, intellectuality, democracy – all are at stake in India.

After going through the compiled “truth”-claims, we have got the following answers after carrying out some loud thinking:

Political leaders and the religious Hindu gurus:

a) are spreading such truth claims consciously to establish Akhand Hindu Bharat⤡; they themselves believe in such pseudo-scientific ethnographic notions;

b) are, perfectly knowing the facts of science, consciously injecting such intoxicating and hypnotic truth claims to veil the “real miseries” of the citizens so that suffering people, after blindly consuming such “opium”, could be distracted from the grave issues related to their food, shelter and clothing; thus all these claims are nothing but distracting tools for diverting poor masses from the realm of ecology, economics, socio-political problems.

c) are utilizing “sigh of the oppressed creature” by providing magical metaphysical solutions by not only spreading such claims, but also by establishing simulated spectacles of spiritual monuments ignoring the historical and archaeological facts, e.g., the Ram temple in Ayodhya, the Statue of Unity in Gujarat, the Vishwanath Dham Corridor etc.

In this arena of spectacular statue-temple Hindu nationalism, the preachers of the Hindu ideology are gaining voters’ support for their utterly mystic, ethnographic, phantasmic construction of Hindutva as a historical a priori.

I. THE HEIGHT OF IMAGINATION OF THE COLONIZERS’ MOST OBEDIENT SERVANT

Kannada textbook passage saying Veer Savarkar flew on bulbul raises questions on Karnataka textbook revisions VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on Aug 29, 2022 ©India Today)

A Kannada textbook in Karnataka sparked controversy with a passage suggesting that Veer Savarkar, an Indian freedom fighter, could “fly on the wings of a bulbul” during his imprisonment. This claim raised concerns about the recent revisions in the state’s textbooks, with critics arguing that such content distorts history and promotes a misleading narrative. The issue highlights broader debates over educational content and the political influences shaping it.

Savarkar flew on a bulbul says Kannada textbook: Committee says it’s a metaphor VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on AUGUST 28, 2022©The News Minute)

The textbook committee later clarified that the statement was intended as a metaphor to describe Savarkar’s spirit and imagination, not a literal event. Despite this explanation, the passage fueled debates over historical accuracy and the portrayal of national figures in educational materials.

Karnataka textbook says ‘Savarkar flew out of jail cell on bulbuls’ VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on August 29, 2022©The Times of India)

Satirist Urvish Kothari hilariously explains Savarkar and bulbul story in Karnataka textbook VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on Auguust 31, 2022 ©The Scroll.in)

Satirist Urvish Kothari humorously addresses the controversial claim from a Karnataka textbook that Veer Savarkar “flew on a bulbul.” Through satire, Kothari critiques the absurdity of the claim, highlighting the ongoing debate about historical accuracy in educational content. His video underscores the tension between myth and history, using humor to engage with the issue.

For more details, you can watch the video on Scroll.in.

II. THE COW-MILK AND THE GOLD

Gold is Found in Cow Milk: West Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on AUGUST 27, 2021 ©News 18)

West Bengal BJP President Dilip Ghosh made headlines for claiming that cow milk contains gold, which he said is why the milk is yellowish. He attributed this to a special quality in Indian cows, suggesting their humps have a “special nerve” that allows them to absorb gold from sunlight. Ghosh’s remarks were widely criticized and sparked a debate over the scientific validity of such claims.

Cow milk has gold shows research in US, Poland: Dilip Ghosh VIEW HERE ⤡ (watch from 2 minutes 48 seconds)

The video from The Print discusses BJP’s Dilip Ghosh and his controversial claims about cow milk containing gold. Ghosh asserts that Indian cows have a special nerve that enables them to absorb gold from sunlight, resulting in the yellowish hue of their milk. The video explores the reactions to these statements, highlighting the mix of skepticism and amusement they have sparked.

III. THE HINDUTVA’S PHANTASTIC GENETIC ENGINEERING

Indian prime minister claims genetic science existed in ancient times VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 28^th October, 2014 © The Guardian)

In 2014, Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi claimed that ancient India had advanced knowledge of genetic science and plastic surgery, citing examples from Hindu mythology, such as the elephant-headed god Ganesha and the birth of Karna in the Mahabharata. These remarks stirred controversy and debate, with critics arguing that such statements undermine scientific credibility and promote pseudoscience. The claims were seen as part of a broader trend of attributing modern scientific achievements to ancient Indian civilization.

For more details, visit The Guardian.

Narendra Modi relates stem-cell and plastic surgery to our age old science VIEW HERE ⤡

IV. THE PEACOCK’S I-THOU AND THE INTIMACY OF EYE-CONTACT: “Isharon Isharon Mein…”

The following articles discuss a controversial statement made by Justice Mahesh Chandra Sharma, a judge from the Rajasthan High Court in India. During a court case in 2017, he made the claim that peacocks do not engage in sexual activity to reproduce. Instead, he suggested that peahens conceive when they consume the tears of the peacock. This statement attracted widespread attention and ridicule due to its inaccurate portrayal of biological facts.

In the same context, Justice Sharma also recommended that the cow be declared India’s national animal, emphasizing its cultural and religious significance in Hinduism. His statements sparked a debate over the intersection of religious beliefs and scientific understanding.

Peacocks Don’t Have Sex, Says Judge Who Recommended Cow As National Animal VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 1^st June, 2017 ©NDTV )

‘Peacocks don’t have sex’: Raj HC judge’s comment gets Twitterati chirping VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on June 1, 2017© The Indian Express)

V. THE HYPERREAL HINDUTVA

The following Quora discussion explores the idea that ancient Hindu sages could have invented the internet centuries ago. The premise is often interpreted metaphorically rather than literally. Some respondents suggest that ancient Hindu scriptures and philosophies contain concepts of interconnectedness and knowledge sharing that are reminiscent of the modern internet. For example, the idea of a vast network of knowledge (such as the Akashic records or the concept of cosmic consciousness) is seen as a spiritual precursor to the internet.

However, others argue that while ancient texts may contain profound wisdom, the actual technology of the internet is a modern invention that cannot be attributed to ancient sages. The discussion reflects a mix of reverence for ancient knowledge and recognition of the differences between spiritual concepts and technological advancements.

How could Hindu sages invent the internet centuries ago? VIEW HERE ⤡ (©The Quora)

The following BBC article covers an incident from 2018 where a lecturer at a college in India was criticized for advising female students to avoid wearing jeans to prevent sexual harassment. The lecturer, Rajith Kumar, suggested that women who wear jeans and behave like men give birth to transgender children. His comments sparked outrage and were widely condemned as misogynistic and scientifically baseless.

The Kerala state government took action by banning him from participating in state-run educational programs. The article highlights the broader issue of sexism in India and the backlash against such regressive attitudes, particularly in the context of women’s rights and gender equality.

Minister ridiculed for saying ancient India invented internet VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 18th April 2018 ©BBC News)

The article discusses a statement made by Biplab Kumar Deb, the Chief Minister of Tripura, India, in 2018. He claimed that the internet and satellite communication existed in ancient India, specifically during the time of the Mahabharata, an ancient Indian epic. Deb argued that the events in the Mahabharata, such as Sanjaya narrating the battle of Kurukshetra to King Dhritarashtra, were possible because of technology similar to the modern internet.

His comments sparked controversy and ridicule, with critics arguing that such statements distort history and science. Deb’s remarks were part of a broader trend among some Indian political figures who claim that ancient India had advanced technological knowledge.

Internet Existed in the days of Mahabharata: Tripura CM Biplab Deb VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 18th April, 2018 ©The Economic Times)

VI. PHARMAKON OF THE HOLY BOVINE

The use of cow dung and urine as remedies to cure COVID-19 in India has raised significant public health concerns. During the pandemic, some individuals and groups promoted these practices based on traditional beliefs that cow products have medicinal properties. However, medical experts and health authorities have warned that there is no scientific evidence supporting the effectiveness of cow dung or urine in treating COVID-19. Instead, these practices could pose serious health risks, including the spread of infections and other diseases. The situation highlights the dangers of misinformation and the importance of following scientifically proven methods for disease prevention and treatment.

The use of cow dung and urine to cure COVID‐19 in India: A public health concern VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 2021 May 26 ©The National Library of Medicine )

The following article reports on a statement made by Pragya Thakur, a Member of Parliament (MP) from the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) in India, who claimed that drinking cow urine can prevent COVID-19. Thakur, known for her controversial remarks, said that she regularly drinks cow urine and credited it for protecting her from the virus.

However, medical experts and health professionals quickly dismissed her claims, emphasizing that there is no scientific evidence to support the use of cow urine as a preventive measure or treatment for COVID-19. The article highlights the ongoing issue of misinformation during the pandemic and the importance of relying on scientifically validated methods for disease prevention.

Drink cow urine to prevent Covid: BJP MP Pragya Thakur; experts reject remark VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on May 18, 2021 ©The Hindustan Time)

The article from The Hindu reports on an event in India where a group hosted a “cow urine party” in Delhi, claiming that drinking cow urine could prevent COVID-19. Organized by the Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha, the event was attended by several people who consumed cow urine as a supposed protective measure against the virus.

The organizers also blamed meat-eaters for the spread of COVID-19, suggesting that the pandemic was a consequence of consuming meat. These claims were widely criticized by medical experts, who pointed out that there is no scientific evidence to support the idea that cow urine can prevent or cure COVID-19. The event underscores the spread of misinformation during the pandemic and the public health risks associated with such unscientific practices.

Coronavirus: Group hosts ‘cow urine party’, says COVID-19 due to meat-eaters VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on December 03, 2021 © The Hindu)

Coronavirus: These men took a cowdung bath to ‘fight COVID-19 bacteria’ in Karnataka VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 24th March, 2020 ©Scroll)

The article from The Indian Express discusses a statement made by Surendra Singh, a BJP MLA from Uttar Pradesh, India, who claimed that drinking cow urine daily can protect against COVID-19. He stated that he has been consuming cow urine for 25 years and believes it has kept him safe from the virus.

Singh’s comments reflect a broader trend among some political figures in India who advocate traditional remedies, despite the lack of scientific evidence supporting their effectiveness against COVID-19. Health experts have repeatedly warned against such claims, emphasizing that there is no proven benefit of cow urine in preventing or treating the virus and stressing the importance of following scientifically validated health guidelines.

BJP lawmaker’s Covid prescription: Drink cow urine daily on empty stomach VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on May 9, 2021 ©The Indian Express)

VII. BUILDING CASTLES IN THE AIR AND THE HINDUTVA NUCLEAR (CON-)FUSION

The following article from The Hindu discusses the claim that Shivkar Bapuji Talpade, an Indian scholar, was the first person to build and fly an aircraft, allegedly achieving this feat in 1895, eight years before the Wright brothers’ flight. According to supporters of this claim, Talpade’s aircraft, named “Marutsakha,” was based on ancient Indian texts and flew at Chowpatty Beach in Mumbai.

However, there is no concrete historical evidence to fully substantiate these claims, and the story is often regarded as a mix of historical speculation and nationalist pride. While Talpade’s efforts are acknowledged in some circles, mainstream history credits the Wright brothers with the first successful powered flight. The article reflects ongoing debates about the contributions of various cultures to early aviation history.

The article from The Washington Post discusses the controversial claims made during the 102nd Indian Science Congress held in 2015. One of the most startling claims was that ancient Indians had invented airplanes 7,000 years ago, long before the Wright brothers. This assertion, made by a speaker at the Congress, suggested that ancient texts like the Vedas described aircraft that could fly between planets and travel long distances.

The presentation was part of a session on ancient Indian sciences, which included other claims such as ancient Indians discovering stem cell research. These assertions sparked significant debate, with many in the scientific community criticizing them as unscientific and not based on credible evidence. The article highlights the tension between promoting cultural pride and ensuring scientific rigor in such discussions.

Indians invented planes 7,000 years ago — and other startling claims at the Science Congress VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 4^th January, 2015 ©The Washington Post)

The following India Today article discusses comments made by Yellapragada Sudershan Rao, the chairman of the Indian Council of Historical Research (ICHR), in 2014. Rao suggested that ancient Indians may have had knowledge of advanced technologies like airplanes and nuclear weapons. He referenced ancient Hindu epics like the Ramayana and Mahabharata, which contain descriptions of flying machines (Vimanas) and weapons resembling modern-day nuclear arms.

Rao’s statements were part of a broader trend where certain political and academic figures in India have made claims about the advanced technological and scientific achievements of ancient Indian civilization. These claims have sparked controversy, with critics arguing that such assertions lack scientific evidence and are based more on mythological interpretations than historical facts. The article reflects concerns about the mixing of mythology and history in academic discourse under Rao’s leadership.

Ancient India had aeroplanes, nuclear weapons, says chief of India’s premier history body VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 21^st November, 2014 ©India Today)

VIII. THE HINDUTVAVADIN IDEOLOGICAL STATE APPARATUS

The following article from Scroll.in criticizes the 2022 calendar released by IIT Kharagpur, which promotes claims about ancient India’s scientific and technological achievements. The calendar, titled “Recovery of the Foundations of Indian Knowledge Systems,” suggests that ancient Indians made significant advances in fields such as aviation, medicine, and metallurgy.

The article argues that the calendar is more an exercise in propaganda than in genuine knowledge production. It points out that many of the claims lack credible scientific evidence and are based on selective interpretations of ancient texts. The author criticizes the calendar for promoting a nationalist agenda rather than fostering a rigorous, evidence-based understanding of India’s history and contributions to science. The calendar is seen as part of a broader trend in India to glorify the past without sufficient critical analysis or respect for historical accuracy.

IIT Kharagpur 2022 calendar on ancient India is an exercise in propaganda – not rigorous research VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 31^st December, 2021 ©Scroll)

With IIT Kharagpur Calendar, the Hindutva Right Takes Another Step Away From Science VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 30^th December, 2021 ©The Wire)

The above article from The Wire critiques the 2022 calendar released by IIT Kharagpur, which claims that ancient India made significant scientific and technological advancements. The calendar, which features topics like ancient aviation, surgery, and metallurgy, is seen as aligning with Hindutva ideology by promoting a glorified and often unsubstantiated view of India’s past.

The author argues that this calendar is part of a broader effort by the Hindutva right to distance itself from modern scientific methods and embrace a narrative that mixes mythology with history. The article expresses concern that such initiatives undermine scientific rigor and critical thinking, replacing them with a version of history that prioritizes ideological goals over factual accuracy. The calendar is viewed as another step in the ongoing attempt to rewrite Indian history in a way that serves the political and cultural agenda of the Hindutva movement.

IX. THE GREAT CLIMATE DENIAL

Indian PM Modi’s obscure remark on Climate Change VIEW HERE ⤡

PM Narendra Modi on Climate Change VIEW HERE ⤡

X. THE MATHEMATICIAN PRIME MINISTER

XI. THE BJP’S MISSING LINK: THE APE SCENARIO

The following article from The Times of India reports on statements made by BJP MP Satyapal Singh, who once again questioned Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Singh claimed that humans are descendants of sages, not monkeys, contradicting Darwin’s well-established theory that humans evolved from primates. He suggested that Darwin’s theory is unscientific and should be replaced with a new curriculum that reflects this belief.

Singh’s remarks sparked controversy, with critics arguing that they reflect a disregard for scientific evidence in favor of religious or cultural beliefs. This incident is part of a broader trend where certain political figures in India have challenged widely accepted scientific theories, promoting alternative views that align with traditional or nationalist ideologies.

BJP MP again questions Darwin’s theory, says human beings descendants of sages, not monkeys VIEW HERE ⤡ (As reported on 19th July, 2019 ©The Times of India)

The above article from The Week covers comments made by BJP MP Satyapal Singh, who reiterated his belief that human beings are descendants of sages, not monkeys, rejecting Charles Darwin’s theory of evolution. Singh’s statement was part of his ongoing critique of Darwinism, which he claims lacks scientific basis and misrepresents human origins.

In response, DMK leader Kanimozhi criticized Singh’s remarks, defending the scientific consensus on evolution. She argued that such statements reflect a troubling trend of dismissing science in favor of mythological or religious narratives. The article highlights the broader debate in India between scientific perspectives and ideological beliefs, with Singh’s comments drawing attention to the tensions between these viewpoints.

(For the above matter, refer to the movie A Holy Conspiracy⤡, 2022, for the debate on Darwin’s Theory of Evolution, based on the Monkey Scopes Trial in the United States in 1925.)

Creating such genealogical fantasy by the Hindutvavadins, especially the BJP leaders, RSS supporters and the religious gurus, has led us to a space of irreal irrationality to distract the attention from the real miseries of the people. Marx was right enough to have predicted such false consciousness with his previously-cited prophecy. The triumph of the BJP can be interpreted as the triumph of the sigh of the oppressed creatures.

Such an atmosphere of fanatic irrationality goes against the Article 51A(h) of the Indian Constitution, which states that is the fundamental duty of the Indian citizens “…to develop the scientific temper, humanism and the spirit of inquiry and reform”.

Viewing these type of ridiculous scenarios, OBMA had proposed Ig Nobel prize for the following “extraordinary” discoveries or rather inventions of the Sangh Parivar’s hon’ members:

Nominating the entire BJP team for the Ig Nobel Prize in Visionary Technology VIEW HERE ⤡

Nominating the discoverers of “Einsteinian Pain Waves” for the Ig Nobel Prize in Psychology VIEW HERE ⤡

Nominating Hon’ble Finance and Corporate Affairs Minister of India, Mrs. Nirmala Sitharaman, for the Ig Nobel Prize in Economics VIEW HERE ⤡

Nominating Hon’ble Prime Minister of India, Mr. Narendra Modi, for the Ig Nobel Peace Prize: A Letter to the Ig Nobel Prize Board of Governors VIEW HERE ⤡