Indian history: resisting religious censorship

Abstract

India’s commitment to free speech has been tested periodically by religiously couched calls for censorship. The writing of history has been one of the key battlegrounds. With Narendra Modi and the Hindu-right BJP in power, pressures are mounting on how history is communicated, as well on the arts and culture. Romila Thapar, one of the world’s most distinguished historians of India, is intimately familiar with these forces in Indian politics. She talked to Media Asia editor Cherian George about the roots of the intolerance that is restricting the liberal space for artists, activists, and academics alike.