India That Is Bharat: Coloniality, Civilisation, and Constitution
By J. Sai Deepak
Summary
J. Sai Deepak's *India That Is Bharat* examines European colonialism's enduring impact on India, defining four colonial forms and emphasizing "coloniality" as the mental domination of colonized cultures. The author critiques post-colonialism for assuming colonial mindsets ended with European departure, arguing instead that coloniality persists in India through language, education, and western-inspired legal frameworks. Deepak traces Eurocentrism to the 15th-century "Age of Discovery," highlighting how British policies like Macaulay's education reforms and the 1919 Government of India Act entrenched coloniality. He contrasts Asia's retention of indigenous faiths with the religious conversion seen in the Americas and Africa, asserting that Asian post-colonial societies face unique challenges in decolonizing their minds. The book challenges the notion that India lacked a unified identity pre-1857, citing historical examples like the Mauryan Empire, and critiques British laws as regressive measures suppressing indigenous systems under the guise of neutrality and secularism. Deepak, a constitutional lawyer, advocates for reinterpreting India's Constitution through an indigenous lens, emphasizing the need to reclaim pre-colonial democratic traditions and address outdated colonial-era laws. While acknowledging the benefits of English and scientific advancements, the author stresses the urgency of decolonizing India's historical narrative and legal frameworks to reflect its authentic civilizational identity. The review concludes by affirming the book's compelling arguments for reimagining India's constitutional future rooted in its indigenous consciousness.
Conclusion
The book *India That Is Bharat* challenges conventional post-colonial narratives by emphasizing the enduring impact of European coloniality on India, particularly through cultural and constitutional imposition. It argues that decoloniality must address the lingering colonial mindset shaped by language, education, and Western-inspired legal frameworks, which often marginalized indigenous systems. The author advocates for reclaiming an Indian consciousness rooted in pre-colonial civilizational continuity, particularly in faith and governance. While acknowledging the benefits of English and modern legal frameworks, the text underscores the need to reimagine constitutionalism through an indigenous lens, moving beyond colonial legacies to revive India’s historical and cultural sovereignty. This perspective calls for a critical reevaluation of historical narratives and legal frameworks to align with India’s civilizational ethos.