HPI
SACRAMENTO, CALIFORNIA, November 29, 2005: Attempts to change California’s next set of 6th grade social studies books to put Hinduism in a better and more accurate light suffered some setback as the already approved changes to the books were reviewed by a second group of scholars. This group, led by Prof. Witzel of Harvard University, rejected 29% of the changes, mostly those regarding an Aryan influx in early Indian history, and those that dealt with caste and women’s rights. A significant change did occur, in that Prof. Witzel did change references to any “Aryan invasion” to one of “Aryan migration.” One group of scholars no longer hold that India was violently invaded around 1500 bce by marauding Aryans, but that their arrival was a gradual process of migration. Other scholars –and many Hindus– either doubt the migration or reject it entirely.
California Hindus were not particularly happy with the last-minute reversal, some were even incensed. You can download the PDF file of the revisions here. Concerned Hindus can also contact Khanderao Kand at khanderao@yahoo.com. The California State Board of Education will take a final vote on the changes on Friday, December 2, at which they are expected to approve all of Witzel’s changes.
GO here to download a PDF file of Hinduism Today’s comments to the Board on the issue.