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History is a science. It is not an imaginary tale from a fictional world. Imagination plays a key role in fiction. All the efforts of the writer are focused on making the story interesting for the readers. History does not belong to this category where facts can be manipulated at one’s own will to make it exciting for the readers. History is a science that relies on logic, truth and proven facts. In contrary to these principles, incorrect depiction of history can become the cause for hostility in the society.

It is the history of the middle ages that has poisoned the society to view religious communities in negative light. The primary cause for this misrepresentation comes from British historians Miller and Smith who filled the history of middle ages with the strife and conflict of religious sects. Other Indian historians blindly followed suit and continued exaggerating these falsities. As a result of this, the so-called historians incessantly tried to prove that the only thing that transpired in the whole of medieval period were the clashes between Hindus and Muslims. The good will and cooperation that existed between the two communities was ignored and their differences were brought into focus by the historians.

The description of the middle ages by the historians is filled with incidents of conflicts between Hindus and Muslims. If you turn the pages of a history book, you will read about the way in which Muslims massacred Hindus and vice versa. You are then left to wonder if nothing creative or constructive ever happened between these two religions.

In fact, the truth of that era was that it was a time of intense political struggle. And this political struggle has been conveniently labeled as religious conflict. Also, any clashes that happened for financial reasons were also given religious color.

Mahmud Ghazni was from Ghazni in central Asia. He was no preacher of religion. He was just a ruthless raider and plunderer of wealth. Between the years 1000 and 1027, he attacked India 17 times. Punjab, Mathura, Gujarat, etc were the most affected regions. The reason for waging a war was not for political or religious reasons. His only objective was to loot the prosperous provinces of India. This was why he looted the precious stones, gold and diamonds from the Somnath temple.

On the contrary, Akbar, Shah Jahan and Dara Shikoh were very generous. You cannot take the name of Mohammed Ghazni alongside these emperors. During Akbar’s regime many temples and ghats were built. Many Hindu scholars, musicians and army commanders occupied prestigious positions in Akbar’s court. He included the Rajputs during his governance and held them in great respect. Birbal was his favorite and all of us are familiar with the stories of Akbar and Birbal. Akbar loved music. Hence Tan-Sen was given an eminent position in his court. Akbar appointed Raja Todar Mal in the most trustworthy and important role of Finance minister. Shah Jahan allowed his elder son Dara Shikoh to study the Upanishads. The poets like Rahim and Raskhan composed many devotional songs on Lord Krishna. These poets not only gave prominence to the emotion of Bhakti in their poetry but also held the Lord in high pedestal. By his devotion to Lord Krishna, Raskhan also proclaimed that there cannot be any differences based on caste, creed or religion when there is flow of pure emotion. Similarly, many faithful warriors in Shivaji’s and Rana Pratap’s army were Muslims. Even the general public lived in harmony. There was an atmosphere of brotherhood, cooperation and cultural exchange. Of course, political conflicts were also present.

There have always been exchanges with respect to various aspects of living and culture. Gulab Jamun, seviya and pulao of Muslims became favorite foods for Hindus. Similarly, they also adopted clothes like Kurta, Pyjama and Sherwani. In this manner, they both influenced positively and inspired each other in many aspects. However, this harmony, cooperation and brotherhood were ignored by the historians. Their one-sided narration focusing on the conflicts between the two religions ended up creating the history.

The pride of our country, Shivaji Maharaj won innumerable battles, won many forts, but never harmed any mosque. He set an unparalleled example of integrity of character after he won a battle with a Muslim army (see the story in the box on this page).Shivaji always tried to establish harmony between Hindus and Muslims. His war was only against oppression and tyranny.

The solution to this historical problem can be obtained when the historians adopt an unbiased perspective and be free from religious predisposition. History should be comprised of facts and be free from fictional narratives. Indian historians should take this bold step and accept the challenge.

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