National Seminar at Indian Institute of Advanced Study Explores ‘Rethinking History of Punjab: The Indian Civilizational Context
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Shimla, March 6, 2024
The Indian Institute of Advanced Study, Shimla, hosted a two-day National Seminar titled *’Rethinking History of Punjab: The Indian Civilizational Context’* on March 5th and 6th, 2024. In the inaugural session, Director Prof. Nageshwar Rao extended a warm welcome to the delegates, speakers, participants, and the audience.
Convenor Prof. Ravinder Singh set the tone by delving into the distinction between History and Itihas, emphasizing the need to reconsider the methodology for studying and interpreting it. Prof. Singh underscored the disintegration of Punjab and Bharat based on language, leading to the fragmentation of the entire Tradition from its roots. He emphasized Punjab’s true identity as Sapt-Sindhu rooted in Gyaan (knowledge) and urged a holistic exploration beyond the conventional social and political aspects.
Former Vice-Chancellor of Central University of Himachal Pradesh, Prof. Kuldip Chand Agnihotri, delivered a keynote address, providing a comprehensive lecture on Sapt-Sindhu’s sociology and geography. He questioned the continuity of Vedic period with Pre-Vedic times, challenged the Aryan invasion theory, and examined the impact of European/Western Empires on Indian thought. Prof. Agnihotri advocated for the continuity of Indian tradition, rejecting the European idea of discontinuity.
Presiding over the inaugural session, Prof. Harpal Singh highlighted the works of JPS Oberoi and Prof. Kapil Kapoor in studying Indian history in the civilizational context. The Secretary of the Institute, Mehar Chand Negi, concluded the session with a Vote of Thanks.
Throughout the two-day seminar, professors, associate professors, and scholars from various colleges and universities participated, both online and offline, engaging in thought-provoking discussions on reevaluating Punjab’s history within the broader civilizational context.
