Indian History AMA w. Ramachandra Guha | Kumar Varun, Biswa, Neville Shah, Sorabh Pant

Eminent historian #RamachandraGuha drops in to answer some of our Indian history questions - Gandhiji, Bose, the independence, Lagaan in reality and so, so much more.
Apologies for the fanboing on our part - also featuring a cameo by Neville Shah.
#BiswaKalyanRath #KumarVarun

[@pantonfire]

Friends - LOTS of you asked for a shorter version of this: so, here it is :). If you enjoy, donate: instamojo.com/pantonfire OR paypal.me/pantonfire Or: just enjoy watching :). Ilu all.

[@vinayvk8399]

Ohhhhh ok 😂

[@pawankapoor733]

why did you deleted the original video then?

[@dippalparikh8128]

can we please have the full version? Pretty Please!!!

[@maninthecrowd5076]

Full version bhi daal dijiye taklyaji, boht interesting tha ye session.

[@chinmaysingh6787]

Reason isn't convincing just saying You have podcast 2 hours long and you trimmed this one only to only 1 hour...dude tell us the real reason

[@Aditya19012]

I can't believe Ramachandra Guha Said yes to do this...I thought him to be that unreachable intellectual but he's so opposite of that...I read his blogs very happy to see him here🙏

[@pantonfire]

I'm as surprised as you are but honestly he was very accommodating

[@Aditya19012]

@@pantonfire Absolutely he is super chill not like that Boomer Uncle😂😂

[@tarasmarndi6347]

Can you tell me the blog's name?

[@dhananjaymalhotra7854]

Kumar Varun and Rahul Dua are both FMS Delhi passouts. Respect for them increases ten folds primarily because of this reason. Both had lucrative jobs (which majority of us only dream of getting) , which they quit to follow what they liked. Respect.

[@PetrolSniffingDoofus]

Rahul Dua or Subramanian?

[@dhananjaymalhotra7854]

@@PetrolSniffingDoofus Rahul Dua.

[@fherozzz1]

Not sure I have seen a person more passionate while speaking bout his subject and generous in spreading the knowledge! An hour felt like at most 20 minutes.. sign of a intensely interesting debate!

[@NSP7891]

Not a debate

[@ashwanimalhotra493]

Hahaha true. The only other person I can think of is Arvind Subramaniam (Former Economic Advisor)

[@adityapalve3752]

Sai Deepak and Rajiv Malhotra are also who come to my thought.

[@hiteshmakhija4268]

This is one such episode where i’ll love to see the full version because the topics covered are very interesting & we don’t usually get to see this kind of stuff else where. Hope you’ll upload it soon.

[@kavish369]

nice to see biswa acting as a youtube viewer, just listening to all mind-blowing discussion (just like us all)

[@siddharthranadive8186]

Books mentioned: Patriots and Partisans - Ramchandra Guha Democrats and Dissenters - Ramchandra Guha The Discovery of India - Jawaharlal Nehru An Autobiography - Jawaharlal Nehru Makers of Modern India - Ramchandra Guha Early Indians - Tony Joseph Gandhi before India - Ramchandra Guha RAYA : Krishnadevaraya of Vijayanagara - Srinivas Reddy Half - Lion: How P.V Narasimha Rao Transformed India - Vinay Sitapati

[@yash-lu7qp]

thanks

[@parikannappan1580]

who is the auther at 44:30 ?

[@goelamrit]

Thank you :)

[@hiteshk1]

@Sorabh Pant plz pin this comment

[@prateekyadav9811]

DD Kosambi

[@Mahesh-gn8ei]

Dude I couldn't complete the full version and you did this. Bring back the full version please!

[@TheDiwasbisht]

U could have kept the longer version for audiences with patience and shorter edited ones for others as well.. why remove the video!

[@futureboi8517]

I forgot what his thoughs were about Makarand Paranjape as a "right-wing" intellectual, if you remmeber lemme know

[@Akash_158]

pant is STUPID

[@RahulKumar-py8fz]

The one thing you can learn from this - Being a good listener from Biswa, especially jab jhaat knowledge na ho, to chup rehna behtar hai...which is admirable .

[@paati6745]

I am a simple man. I see Biswa and K Varun together, I click.

[@shivangisaini1174]

Want the full version 😭

[@happyraniguttu6045]

Want the full version . Loving it.

[@pinazraut4509]

This is by far the best episode/podcast of the morning series. It was very enlightening and great fun. Also, much like others even I'm a +1 for full stream

[@nupuramarnath7797]

Started watching as a full version in bits. You don’t have to cut. Those who want to skip can skip. Thanks for a wonderful discussion. Love Guha as always.

[@truehuman6553]

Search about Bhardwaj Speaks on Twitter and then see his work on Authentic Indology /Indian History.

[@gandhar03]

Can I find the longer version????

[@louisolakkengal4014]

Biswa has this God like aura in the chat .

[@rabbit4uheisen]

OMG how the hell did I miss out this awesome stream, so good to see a historian on the show , pls provide the full Video Sorabh, it's always great to see your videos. Love you Taklya ❤️😄

[@andrewanthonyhere]

This was the best one. I would take the opportunity and request for the complete and full video. Again thanks for doing this Pant 🙌

[@prateekyadav9811]

This was such an immersing interaction. Riveting! Thoroughly enjoyed it. Pretty impressed with KV's knowledge and thinking style. First time seeing him outside a comedy sketch.

[@AdityaKumar-th7uj]

Bring back full version dude. We are already deprived enough of good discussion in today's era.

[@rubybar8923]

Oh thank you for bringing Mr. Guha online here. It's wonderful to see him. ❤️❤️ Lot's of love

[@sagarjha7456]

Please bring more intellectuals like him...highly insightful thoughts❤️

[@anoopbharat20]

I can only imagine the stories his grandchildren must be hearing during bedtime

[@sayanmondal1303]

Great conversation! Dr. Guha is a gem of a person.

[@priyanshujakhmola5886]

Thank you Guha sir! I've never seen someone talking about Uttarakhand capital fiasco. What a tragedy it's for our state, a hilly state but a capital in plains.

[@himanshubisht3581]

Not anymore though.. Welcome to Gairsain😂

[@priyanshujakhmola5886]

@@himanshubisht3581 yeah that's a relief but still mantri log will work from Dehradun (if there is a slight possibility, though I am not sure) and will go to Gairsain for just photoshoot.

[@himanshubisht3581]

@@priyanshujakhmola5886 yupp that's d harsh reality

[@amansaurav1520]

What do you guys think about Shimla? Don't you think that capital in the hills is a difficult proposition.

[@hiteshpuri1]

It took Sorabh an hour to realize that Biswa is stoned. Finally removed him.

[@abhaspradhan1459]

is he? i dont think he was.....maybe

[@abhaspradhan1459]

btw neville looks equally stoned tbh xD

[@mugdhachadha]

Biswa was not himself... I agree he was stoned!

[@miku1408]

I have noticed Biswa never discusses politics in any of his videos.

[@MannanGoel]

I think he was sleepy afterall he is a part of the comedians cult who have a habit of sleeping very late and then waking up extremely late

[@srijanshailendra]

28:12 "Excessive nostalgia for the greatness of our past is a burden to building a prosperous, modern, just society."

[@Plumeria-tq7et]

Guha is so stupid. He says "I think ambedkar GANDHI recognised this". If you read only basics about Gandhi you realise how he supported caste system, how he was for increasing people in agricultural sector, how he was against Industrialization. Stupidity at its best is synonymous to Guha without the Ram cause he doesn't deserve having the name of the Lord next to him

[@vaibhavyadav9912]

That is so not true. What does he even mean by "excessive" nostalgia. We are barely taught about our cultural history and heritage. And now when people are trying to connect with their past, these gandhi fanboys are coming out of their holes and lecturing about industrialisation, justice and prosperity. Lovely. Indians are really a rare species who try to suppress and twist their glorious past.

[@chinmaybendreCSB]

@@Plumeria-tq7et A few pointers: 1) Gandhi ji favoured "Varnashrama dharma" ; but the caste system. For him, varna system was essentially, a system of labour division. Its degeneration resulted in division of society into high and low ranks, which is commonly referred to as caste. He believed that class division was the product of of a condition in which one type of labour i.e. physical labour (provided by the Shudras) was regarded as inferior to another type of labour i.e. mental labour (provided by the Brahmins). Thus, Gandhi ji exhorted people to provide "bread labour". In "Harijan" (1935), Gandhi ji explains that the gospel of bread labour will create a sense of 'dignity of labour' throughout the society. It will also promote equality between the rich and the poor; between the sarvarna and depressed; and between man and woman. Thus, he envisaged a classless society devoid of discrimination on the grounds of gender, faith and labour. In other words, Gandhi ji realised that the division of labour was inevitable for economic progress. However, such division must not result in social division (caste) or economic division (class). 2) Gandhi ji worked towards annihilation of caste system. (Ironically, Dr. Ambedkar wrote an essay in 1906 by the title "annihilation of caste"). In 1933, while in jail for commissioning Civil Disobedience Movement (1930), Gandhi ji started 'All India anti-untouchability league' to address the menace of untouchability. To educate masses, he also launched a weekly magazine titled 'Harijan' which featured his views on caste system. After completing his jail sentence, he started his long march from Madras to Delhi (from November 1933 to July 1934) in which he toured towns and villages across India to fight the evil of untouchability. This was his second long march. (After returning from South Africa in 1915, Gandhi ji toured India till 1917 for the first time). To serve untouchables (and the outcastes) Gandhi ji started several ashrams for their service which were popularly known as 'Harijan Sevak Sangh'. He even undertook fasts to bring out seriousness of the matter (first in May 1934 and then again in August 1934). 3) Gandhi ji was not opposed to industrialisation. He gave primacy to simple technology over advanced technology. His reasons for promoting simple technology were twofold: a) simple technology had the potential to provide vast employment in a populous country like India. Heavy industrialisation would result in vast unemployment as machines will replace human labour. b) heavy industrialisation will usher consumerism (material progress) and deprive people from the path of rectitude (moral progress). The problem of unemployment and associated poverty will result in violence and crime. It would compromise the principle of Ahimsa (non-violence). Thus, he addressed the conscience of the capitalist class with his doctrine of "trusteeship". He argued that the capitalist class should act as trustees rather than owners. They should contribute "voluntarily" to the cause of the poor. This, he said, was consistent with the Jaina philosophy of aparigraha (non-possession) and asteya (non-stealing). Aparigraha implied that one should not possess (material matter) beyond one's immediate needs that too with a spirit of renunciation. If we amass more than our needs, we deprive others of their legitimate share. Thus, it results in stealing and theft thereby, compromising asteya.

[@chinmaybendreCSB]

@@vaibhavyadav9912 You have rightly pointed out that students and academics do not have enough exposure to "cultural history". Nevertheless, I find your opinion disturbing primarily for the reasons that I am about to mention: 1) History is not about culture. It is merely, as the definition goes, "systematic account of the past events." To associate history with culture is a folly. Frankly, our academic discourse is wrongly accused by motivated individuals for not teaching ancient past. Their objective is to exclude medieval history. James Mill (Scottish historian, Economist and Philosopher) had written a book "the History of British India" in which he attempts to divide Indian history as - Hindu, Muslim and European. Unfortunately, the hardliners today, seem to have adopted this view (which was rightly rejected by our freedom fighters as they argued that such view corresponds to British policy of 'divide and rule'). 2) Culture is also a part of our academic discipline right from school education. Our higher secondary level books, and class 11 NCERT to be precise, educate us on art, architecture, music, theatre, dance forms, paintings and sculptures. Thus, culture is treated as a separate entity fundamentally different from history. 3) As for academics, one must recognise the limitation of our education system: a) In the constitution, education is enumerated under list 3 (concurrent subject) which means, education is to be provided for by the State as well as Union Government. States have their respective regional boards and the Union has its own board (CBSE). So, the history that is taught and learnt will differ from region to region. While, all of us will have to read about similar themes of history (ancient, medieval and modern), the actual substance might change. For instance: Maharashtra board will be inclined to teach Mughal rule vis-a-vis Maratha Empire; Rajasthan board, on the hand will be inclined to teach Mughal rule vis-a-vis Rajputana rule. In other words, a student in Maharashtra will not be that acquainted in Rajputana in the same way as a student from Rajasthan with regard to the history of Maratha. The same argument applies for other State boards as well. b) age is a severe restriction. It is unreasonable to expect a 10 year old to learn about regional kingdom's as well as the history of India as a nation. The fundamental problem that we encounter here is: a) "India" is not a geographic entity. b) India was not governed by a single political regime. Now, here comes the problem. Let me explain the above issues with an example: One reads about the history of Mughals whose empire spanned from Bangladesh (Dhaka) to Afghanistan (Kandahar) and from Jinji (Karnataka) to Suleiman hills (Kashmir). Here, we are missing education on history of India South of Andhra Pradesh and East of Assam. The reason is "India" was not defined geographically which corresponds to my first point. Similarly, we do not learn about tribal Kingdoms like Ahom in Assam. It spanned across the North East into Myanmar. The question therefore is this: if we can learn about events of Mughal empire which includes parts of Pakistan, Bangladesh and Afghanistan, then, why not learn about Ahom Kingdom which includes the entire North East and Myanmar? This corresponds to my second point. Hence, a fine balance is achieved to ensure that "much" of our geographical territory is covered with as many diverse kingdoms and political entities as possible. The term used for academic purposes in our school education is "themes in Indian history" and not "Indian history". I believe that the school education, has done enough justice to inspire curiosity about our past. If one ought to continue on the path of history, our academic disciplines offer specialisation right up to M.Phil and PHD. The larger point is we should not confuse school education for professional education (graduation). Some limitations must be respected. Nevertheless, there is enough space to discover our past (which is not mainstream history like that of Ahom Kingdom). Also, the system is created in such a way as to 'inspire' curiosity than to 'force' information. 4) Finally, I partly disapprove of your splendid belief that Indians are trying to connect with their past. a) To believe that our past was glorious is one thing, but to believe that it was 'perfect' is madness. b) A civilization is premised on certain values. The greatest value in my personal opinion (to which you may disagree) is about acknowledging past mistakes. We should not discredit criticisms when being unfurled against us. Rather, we should make concerted effort to rectify them. Unfortunately, the hardliners have all but lost the ability to take criticisms rightly. Blind acceptance of the past as 'glorious' cannot be deemed as a 'connect' if the values of tolerance, assimilation, diversity and harmony are discouraged and even greatly despised. PS: I am confident that Mr. Guha is many times more accomplished than you and me. With all due respect, I disagree with your name shaming of him and branding him as a 'fanboy'. It is this value that is lost of us & needs urgent reconnect. One may disagree objectively; differ ideologically. Good! Nevertheless, no matter how glorious your past is; It remains history if you are not polite enough to learn from it to design a desirable future.

[@civilizationalist1457]

@@chinmaybendreCSB aa gaya mentally colonised who thinks mr mk gandhi gave us freedom from the British. Ahimsa is best🤤🤤

[@iemon7722]

Biswa looks baked AF .. he's having the munchies too! Great job Sorabh ... really enjoyed this engagement!!

[@kittusim8520]

Please upload the full version! Love listening to Mr. Ramchandra Guha!!

[@chinmaysingh6787]

Pls also upload the original longer version Also the reason people asked you to make a shorter version doesn't seems like the real reason. Other podcast of yours are 2 hours long why only this is one is trimmed to 1 hour

[@bahadur56]

completely ruined it by deleting the original and putting this shorter version online. what a waste. EDIT- Realized after a year that this comment was not justified. You did not RUIN the video. It's a shame we have to edit out some stuff just to feel safe in this country.

[@ahmedpadela4047]

Use me as a button to bring back the old version

[@futureboi8517]

I forgot what his thoughs were about Makarand Paranjape as a "right-wing" intellectual, if you remmeber lemme know .

[@adityaanand6603]

Hey man why u removed the full version...lost in between...even guha’s twitter handle showing private video...silly

[@karunsaini4270]

Thank you Sourabh for calling guha sir.. it is difficult to listen to him in such a candid zone.

[@krunaldesai4323]

Sorabh pant and team, Supremely delighted to see an Institute like Mr. Guha. Lots of love and power👍

[@prakharsahu7145]

these people always manage to win my heart

[@amrit44b]

I think we sbould abstain to edit a podcast or KZbin live with cuts..the silences and small chatter in between add the flavour of the live which is lost after editing

[@jaspreetrekhi7919]

I want the entire stream as well 😞

[@huzefajawadwala1347]

Lovely chat ! Thank you for bringing this to us !!

[@virajjadye9609]

2 mins of silence for those who missed full version

[@errolcrasta2440]

The most excited I have seen Biswa ! Please bring the long version back

[@debashishkaushik]

Ye cheating he. Original was better. Ek poll kara ke dekh lo. I bet most people will prefer the longer version.

[@debashishkaushik]

P B around 2 hrs

[@futureboi8517]

I forgot what his thoughs were about Makarand Paranjape as a "right-wing" intellectual, if you remmeber lemme know

[@debashishkaushik]

Future Boi He was highly appreciative of Mr Paranjape but was not sure if Mr Paranjape would call himself a “right wing intellectual”. He also said that it would be better if there are well researched papers and books from a right wing perspective so that there could be a healthy debate.

[@debashishkaushik]

Future Boi Just to clarify, I am paraphrasing here. Those are not his exact words.

[@futureboi8517]

@@debashishkaushik yeah I know. Okay then I must have confused him for someone else, who was the one "right-wing" intellectual mr guha showed dissent for ?

[@pratikmandhare1645]

I'd really love to watch part 2 ,3,4 of these genius , humorous mind doing podcast ...❤️plz....

[@mayankpandey6932]

Yes most of the Pants in kumaun are considered to be of Marathi origin with the same minister theory for your surname that you mentioned and the same is claimed by eminent historians of the region.

[@tush7174]

Such an intelligent and informative discussion, well done Sorabh for asking great question.

[@igloballens]

Please invite more this is perfect combination and u guys are real good , KUmar varun u are great 👍

[@oMNIDEXTOID]

One of the best podcast ever

[@cakebaker9074]

This is fabulous episode

[@Areyarronkarr]

This video is pure gem for upsc aspirants ❤️

[@tejassardana6266]

Video me aisa samaa bandha ki ek second ke liye dhyan nahi hata. Great video Sorabh. Also loved KV's parts, really informative.

[@tejasrahulrokade8398]

Amazing video...bring this guy back

[@amithanil970]

Prefer the longer version!! Please put up the longer version too. I want to send it across to my friends.

[@tradingca3014]

Seriously "The Ramachandra Guha" , Sorabh man you got some really great set of contacts ..

[@rana1561]

Please also upload the complete version, it was delightful.

[@shivamshah431]

Meanwhile Biswa sitting in space and eating his BANANA

[@dorz3321]

Holly lord this is the best discussion I have seen in a while. Thanks saurabh

[@mistyspice1]

@sorabhpant : agree with guha..I studied history, civics and economics from cbse when ncert textbooks underwent that transformation post 2006. The best history textbook in all of my schooling life... The civics book made you actually think about what makes a democracy and what doesn't. Unfortunately a lot of the political satire cartoons have been eliminated over time due to controversy and political pressure. But still can bet you they are the best social studies textbooks in any type of education board in India currently

[@divyanshtripathi4867]

@sorabhpant please upload the full video and if possible bring some more historians and kv there for his insights on them too absolutely loving this thank you

[@AnkushSharma533]

Biswa introvert video is coming to my mind... seeing silent Biswa here😬

[@shievanisingh8543]

i love this podcast/edutainment/interview!

[@SubhamRaj]

Such a fruitful discussion..loved it!

[@Fx-Story]

amazing talk, learnt a lot, thanks Saurabh, looking forward to watching such guests and topic more

[@atulya7845]

Wasn't The Internet said so gang coming tomorrow?

[@AbcdEfgh-cw1nx]

He is so sharp, not missing any point!

[@akileshnair]

This was the most interesting conversation which I never expected from this page

[@karanskhera]

52:35 Only KV could have said “I was reading about Birbal...” 😁

[@abhisheksakle5594]

Man please promote this interview

[@adeeb987]

Ae Takle.......poora video daal naa yaar, the original one was the best. Loved hearing Mr. Guha.

[@chandra_himanshu]

Ramchadra gua one of the leading distortionist of Indian History.

[@prodyumno]

Full version please

[@kashsingh9435]

Please bring back full video back . I want to complete it .

[@kushagrjain7112]

We need more zoom time like this, also please include KV 💥😎🤩

[@vaibhavgarg315]

This is next level 🔥

[@MrArborde]

Neville's question will remain the highlight of the stream

[@shashankdaveaspirer]

Shree Atal Bihari Vajpayee and Abdul Kalam Sir...damn what a time it was 😭

[@199rajesh]

I think he missed 4 lac Kashmir pandit problem.

[@kaafiabhas]

Please upload the full version 😭

[@NoOne-jl7bk]

Almost every comment is asking you to restore the full unedited version of this interview, kindly listen to them Sorabh.

[@vidyam2666]

A great conversation.. All youngsters should watch..

[@sagar_shah]

Guha sir calling him KV 🔥🔥🔥 great job Sorabh for bringing them together!

[@onionyah]

Got jump scared by Neville shah as I was focussing on something while listening to the podcast in the bg xD

[@ratz0086]

Great conversation...this video made me more eager about history...I m going to read historic books

[@hariompandey1049]

We all want full version Sorabh

[@vidhatrideoli390]

DUDEE, DEHRADUN AND MUSSOORIE FEEL SO POSITIVE RN!

[@imprakrut]

Those who haven't watched the whole interview are calling him a Congress Puppet Watch 10:40 onwards

[@soumilkarkhanis4256]

WE WANT THE FULL VERSION!!!

[@madhuryachetia798]

Loved this episode too. Learnt a lot ❤❤❤

[@ashlesh1444]

This is why I love Biswa.

[@virajmehta4206]

So far.....my favourite episode ♥️

[@satvikp]

Please put out the full version.

[@Jjpprr123]

When Neville came, I left

[@abhishekrajopadhye717]

learnt so much ....put the whole video sorabh!!!pls

[@anandsharma7430]

The idea of Pakistan was strongly advocated by Iqbal. Probably influenced Jinnah a lot. Iqbal turned when he went to London and became fundamentalist, from being the author of Sare Jahan se Achcha.

[@dharinisrivastav8513]

Thanks for bringing out such a conversation

[@adityapandey5989]

Biswa is like what the fuck is going on, Isse achcha physics and maths pe baat hoti

[@ishansingh4394]

Is it trimmed just because it had too good Summaries and add ons from Kumar?

[@squidkrill3417]

please upload the full episode, either on youtube or as an audio podcast

[@shankarbaskey_31]

Upload the full version also.

[@KamalKumar-hj4eb]

Loved every bit of the video. ❤️

[@deveshsingh5974]

Waah. ....it was a great watch