- It’s accepted around the world that Indian heritage, legacy, traditions, cultures, beliefs, faiths, and of course, religions are not only diverse in nature but also encompass a multitude of populations of more than 1.45 billion. Within the realm of our rich heritage resides such profoundly accepted, embraced, and practiced divine art forms for millennia that it has become an inalienable part of our very existence. The available scriptures, evidence, and history suggest how Indian heritage was patronaged by emperors, kings, rulers, and noblemen for centuries. Notably, the philosophical and spiritual discourse that originated from this very land provided an exceptional insight into our very existence and the world. Have we been successful as a society in retaining them?
PC: Freepik
- The advent of modernity in every sphere of life meant some of those treasures of yore did not receive enough patronage from the rulers from time to time. It did not help the country’s cause when the marauding conquistadors kept ruining the country for centuries. Right from the Mughals, Portuguese, and British colonialists, India was battered from every corner shaking up the very foundation of our rich culture. It did not help one bit that the large swathe of the country was dotted with rulers of every hue fighting against each other to make an existence worthy of recognition. The cunning British were game for not only exploiting the divisive undercurrents in the country back then but also helping them establish a significant presence.
- The moot point to ponder over here is how the country still managed to stay afloat despite being pulled in different directions by several stakeholders jostling for place and attention. Amid all this, the Akhand Bharat suffered inseparable damage to some of the classical art forms including the millennia-old dance forms. We must be proud of the fact that innumerable proponents were sacrificing their own lives to ensure our heritage sustains the relentless onslaught and forceful conversions that took place incessantly amid resistance emanating from different quarters. Sadly, none of the rulers back then could project a consolidated front taking on the might of the Moghuls and the British later who were primary conquistadors hell-bent on destroying our legacy.
PC: Freepik
- Thankfully, some of the divine art forms like classical dance and music could be sustained courtesy of exponents with farsightedness, resilience, and resolve to uphold continuation. Undeniably, the British may have left the Indian shores long back, but the deep-rooted practices of the colonialists have spread wide and far. Thankfully, efforts are afoot from diverse ends to push for embracing our classical dance and art forms. It’s heartwarming to witness how the Indian diaspora spread around the globe is willingly making efforts to spread our legacy even as the present-day technology-driven modernity asserts itself. Is it impossible to nurture, sustain, encourage, develop, and embrace our rich culture? Not at all, it’s our responsibility to do justice to them.
