Against the Grain: Notes on Identity, Intolerance and History

This book is a series of essays. Those who are familiar with Mr Jha's works, will not be disappointed with the premise and adduced evidentiary material. Many readers will be familiar with his knowledge and background of early Indian history. In this book, he has tried to connect earlier history to the present and he has traced the origins of the current social trends of India's dominant religion to intellectuals as far back as nearly 150 years. The evolution of this thought is neatly documented and well presented. The unanswered question is what motivates otherwise intelligent individuals to espouse theories and tropes that cause physical harm to other individuals, but then I suppose this would not be Mr Jha's remit!

"Against the Grain" by D.N. Jha is a compelling and thought-provoking exploration of ancient Indian history that challenges conventional right-wing historical narratives. Through meticulous research and compelling arguments, Jha dismantles the prevailing myths of ancient Hindu identity, Brahminical tolerance and the pseudo-nationalism of the saffron brigade whose histography is rooted in colonialism and has multiple western paternity. Furthermore, Jha's lucid writing style makes this scholarly work accessible to casual readers interested in history and cultural studies, offering a refreshing and enlightening perspective. Jha skillfully navigates between scholarly analysis and engaging storytelling, ensuring that readers remain captivated throughout. In conclusion, "Against the Grain" is a groundbreaking scholarly work that challenges stereotypes, invite readers to question long-held assumptions of the past and encourages a more critical and evidence-based examination of historical narratives.

This is a well researched and referenced book debating and uncovering truths about the food, culture and lifestyle in ancient and medieval India. The author is a well known historian and a legend in his field. I had read his "The Myth of the Holy Cow" a few years ago and found it revelational. Both the books are content heavy with lots of references and direct quotes. Maybe because the author is a core academician, his prose tends to be more theoretical and less practical. Even though the author claims that he has written this book for the common man who is vulnerable and unaware, the book does little other than refute the claims made by political leaders of the last century. Every chapter goes about debunking myths based on documentary evidence and the author does it by referencing multiple texts of ancient history. Fine, agreed. But then he offers no conclusion, advice or opinion of his own. After a while, the chapters become repetitive and you already know the pattern. There is no solution that is offered and there is no encouragement to future generations to follow the path of knowledge. Only people with an academic bent of mind will enjoy reading it but then they would already know most of the contents. The vulnerable will continue to overlook such text even with all the references to puranic scriptures because it is not simple enough for their understanding.

As described. Packed well. Arrived on time

A counternarrative to the prevailing right wing version of Hinduism.

Absolutely wonderful , thought provoking and finely argued book and it is an essential read in the current socio-economic scenario.

I recently purchased this book, and I must say it turned out to be a really worthwhile read. From the very beginning, it manages to grab your attention and keeps you engaged throughout. The writing style is simple yet impactful, making it easy to understand while still delivering meaningful insights. What I liked the most is how relatable and practical the content feels. It doesn’t just talk about ideas in theory, but also connects them with real-life situations, which makes it more valuable. Whether you're reading it for knowledge, personal growth, or just as a casual read, it definitely delivers. Overall, I’m quite satisfied with this purchase. It’s one of those books that leaves you thinking even after you’ve finished it. I would definitely recommend it to anyone looking for something insightful and engaging.

Not providing a balanced view. I admire his research and work but his views are biased.