Title: History of Hindumisia and Hindu Genocides
Author: Dr. Bijeet Prasantha
Pages: 516
Publisher: Garuda Prakashan
Buy now

Hinduism as a religion has always been a religion that has never been in the limelight for its fanaticism or propagation of any hatred. The attitude of tolerance and innocence has been a part of its incarnation since its existence. It is only when centuries of subjugation and violence took the lives of the innocents that it has now begun to become the point of discussion among different circles. Bijeet Prasantha, in his stellar work in “History of Hindumisia and Hindu Genocides,” has explored the atrocities that have been part and parcel of Hindu life and existence for centuries, practically from the beginning of time as long as records continued to be available.

Prasantha’s work is remarkable in its honest statement of facts and in showing the face of history from the side of the Hindu religion and the people who practice it. Unfortunately, the portrayal of invaders and rulers of the Indian soil has been written in terms of creating a glorious image and showing their mighty prowess, but as it is believed that there is always a story from the other side, Prasantha brings the story from the other side to the centre. For those who aim to search for the answers to the unsaid facts and stories, this book is an answer not to one but centuries of subjugation and sufferings that not only the Hindu common folk went through but also kings and royal families. What begins with the eruption of communal hatred for seemingly no authentic reasons and rather ideological beliefs comes to the present day, where the author talks about the contemporary condition of Hindus with complete attention.

With time and Hindus waking up to share their side of the story, “History of Hindumisia and Hindu Genocides” is a milestone that is written with the intention of throwing light on the viewpoint that has never been heard, said, or given any emphasis. Through extensive research through different resources written at different points by people of different religions, Prasantha maintains the honest approach, which is more about the statement of facts and less about painting a picture that can raise any kind of emotions. In a time when conversion rates of Hindus are alarmingly high and undoubtedly there may even be a day of the extinction of Hinduism as a religion, this book comes out as more of a document that shares record of all that has been hidden and got lost in the pages of history written by everyone apart of Hindus. Prasantha’s effort is also a call to the other writers with the means to add to the Hindu legacy, which has existed for long yet has been ignored in its existence. Based on this, this book is strongly recommended not only to the Hindu community for understanding the centuries of sacrifice and suffering but also to others who may not have heard of the Hindu voice through their religious teachings. There is no limit to the audience that can read this book, but it is more of a mature reading based on research and not a work of fiction. Hence, its recommendation is more for grown-ups and those who have some knowledge of history and want to know more about it. It can also be read by those who have no idea of history and want to begin their journey of acquiring knowledge.

It is also to be noted that “History of Hindumisia and Hindu Genocides” is not a dive into the cultural roots of the Hindu religion; it is more of a story of how Muslims in the name of Islam and communal hatred have constantly subjected hindus to atrocities, brutality and cruelty that was given the name of glory. Prasantha highlights how, in the garb of religion, humanity has suffered mercilessly not just by one person but an entire school of thought, and how it has never been said, heard, or discussed even among the Hindu community. All of this is done through a statement of facts excavated through extensive research and proof, not just hearsay and folklore. Hindus have been the subject of suffering for various other reasons, too, but Prasantha’s objective approach maintains his focus on the point of discussion and sequentially brings out the happenings at different points in history.

There are many points when “History of Hindumisia and Hindu Genocides” has quotes and content directly from the sources in order to demonstrate the truthfulness behind the points that Prasantha harps upon. This raw and honest statement of facts not only enlightens the readers about unknown facts, but it also familiarizes them with the ghastly details and the sacrifices it has taken even to preserve religion and the beliefs comprising it. Hence, it is not a product of an emotional outburst of the author. Instead, it is a record of the details that can always serve as reference points for all those who desire to know more about Hinduism as a religion. The impact is added by the use of images that are either directly from the battlefields or a depiction of the situation being discussed. Since they are also authentic and taken from reliable sources, the proof of truthfulness is further reinforced, and the faith of the reader is solidified.

Bijeet Prasantha has done a commendable job when he dives into research and comes out with facts that can sequentially be arranged to form a sensible narrative. He writes the book in such a way that people with knowledge of history would refer back to the times in school when they must have read it and draw parallels with how different things can be when viewed from the eyes of a different community. They are also able to see how the victims never got a say, and the glorious continued to be glorified. This book comes at a time when the crimes against Hindus are at an alarming rate, and due to a lack of awareness, Hindus are unable to see facts through the angle of communal hatred. Hence, this book would create its own space where literature would be of a new category, and the subjugated will be speaking.