Indian Renaissance or Renaissance in India

Abstract

The period of Renaissance saw a vibrant revival of humanistic influence finding expression in the blossoming of arts, literature and modern science after the middle ages, supporting the idea about the ‘rise of the West.’ In India, Renaissance is said to have occurred during the late 19th and early 20th centuries.

Today, while some historians rejoice the Europe-centred image of renaissance, few others are not only sceptical of those tall claims but also question as to how much of the Indian awakening was Europe inspired. The idea of ‘India Resurging’ was more of a deep-rooted and strong notion in the minds of not only many Englishmen, but also some of the Indians who came under ‘majestic spell’ of the colonial masters through English education. The present paper looks into tools of colonial subjugation amongst which the ‘control of people’s culture’ for a prolonged period is seen as a potent means, for coercion as a method of domination has its limitations. There are complexities involved in imposing definitions and carving out similarities of cultures and civilizations, and thus the Indian context of Renaissance needs to be understood in all its nuances.