INSIGHT XIII: Reality of Christian missionaries through the lens of Arun Shourie's book
25 Oct 2022 11:00:10
Namaskar, the new series 'INSIGHT' is an attempt to present the central thought of a thought-provoking book. "Missionaries In India Continuities, Changes, Dilemmas", a book by Shri Arun Shourie compels readers to contemplate various points put forth.
It is stated in the book that Initially the East India company probably supported restrictions on Missionary activities. The reason given was Indians were 'civilized enough and do not need the missionaries '. Of course, missionaries never accepted it. They thought conversion would consolidate the empire.
People of India, he stated had to be rescued, obviously, the remedy suggested was Christianity. Natives ought not to be denied access to Christian light. He presented an argument to support the fact that there would be no resistance, as the examples from history proved that Muslim rulers converted Hindus, Hindus converted to Buddhism, and Sikhism, but there was no commotion. (Of course, Buddhism and Sikhism were different in nature but he did not differentiate those from Christianity.) He described the natives as tolerant and patient that nothing can arouse their anger, so there was not any danger but it definitely had a political advantage. It, he believed would definitely strengthen the foundation of the government. Obviously, the bill was passed in favor of missionaries. The system was developed immediately, in a way with the intent to smash the faith of Hindus.
Trevelyan acknowledged the increase in demand by natives for the scriptures in English, he perceived the role of English schools and colleges when noted the fact. The Reverend J Tucker who spent 12-13 years in India, in an answer to the question related to the government's role in the mission stated that influential people subscribe in big numbers. When questioned about the evidence of the improvement, he answered that the habits and appearance of converted natives can be comprehended, they are more 'industrious' and an increase in wealth could be observed. The improvement in their attachment to government, Church, and Missionary Society ( the change brought by conversion caused) could be be easily sensed. The Reverend obviously was proud of the work and looked at it as a means of consolidation of the empire.
It is stated in the book that Initially the East India company probably supported restrictions on Missionary activities. The reason given was Indians were 'civilized enough and do not need the missionaries '. Of course, missionaries never accepted it. They thought conversion would consolidate the empire.
Wilberforce ( a British politician) addressed the house of commons and spoke in favor of the role of missionaries. The address was full of 'exaggerations, falsehood' and full of humiliating expressions for the people of our country and Hinduism, all put together. Hinduism he said had 'dark and degrading superstitions, ' it is mean, licentious, and cruel in nature. He continued the argument using similar expressions. ( It is not possible to present the argument in its original words. He even referred to the deity Shri Jagannath from Odisha in the same argument with neither truth nor respect.)
Also Read: INSIGHT XI: Reality of Christian missionaries through the lens of Arun Shourie's book
People of India, he stated had to be rescued, obviously, the remedy suggested was Christianity. Natives ought not to be denied access to Christian light. He presented an argument to support the fact that there would be no resistance, as the examples from history proved that Muslim rulers converted Hindus, Hindus converted to Buddhism, and Sikhism, but there was no commotion. (Of course, Buddhism and Sikhism were different in nature but he did not differentiate those from Christianity.) He described the natives as tolerant and patient that nothing can arouse their anger, so there was not any danger but it definitely had a political advantage. It, he believed would definitely strengthen the foundation of the government. Obviously, the bill was passed in favor of missionaries. The system was developed immediately, in a way with the intent to smash the faith of Hindus.
Trevelyan acknowledged the increase in demand by natives for the scriptures in English, he perceived the role of English schools and colleges when noted the fact. The Reverend J Tucker who spent 12-13 years in India, in an answer to the question related to the government's role in the mission stated that influential people subscribe in big numbers. When questioned about the evidence of the improvement, he answered that the habits and appearance of converted natives can be comprehended, they are more 'industrious' and an increase in wealth could be observed. The improvement in their attachment to government, Church, and Missionary Society ( the change brought by conversion caused) could be be easily sensed. The Reverend obviously was proud of the work and looked at it as a means of consolidation of the empire.