Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 155 words written
Limitations of Indological approach
Opening · a definition
Indological approach involves systematic study of Indian society through literary sources and ancient texts. The fundamental premise of Indology rests on assumption that Indian society and culture is unique, it cannot be explained by European methods, thus book method is preferred to infer the society. eq. Ghurye, Dumont
Body · points
Limitations
(1) Sociological romanticism i.e. providing an ideal and typical image of society eg. Portrayal of Jajmani system as egalitarian.
(2) Hindu-centric and Brahmin
centric approach often leading to top bottom view of society.
(3) Veracity of ancient texts often debatable e.g. claim of Chandbarda in Prithviraj Raso seem exaggerated.
(4) Many of traditional books are 3000-2000 years old leading to a static picture of Indian society.
(5) Influenced by vested interests leading to value bias by colonial administrators and nationalist Indians.
Close
However, recently Wendy Doniger, Devdutt Patnaik and Romila Thapar are modifying Indology to address these defects. e.g. Book Hindus: An ultimate History by Wendy Doniger