The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity

India’s history of dialogue and debate is underscored, anchored by its epics like the Rāmāyaṇa and the Mahābhārata. The Bhagavad Gītā, within the Mahābhārata, showcases a pivotal moral debate between duty and consequences, with J. Robert Oppenheimer’s reaction to the nuclear bomb symbolizing the enduring relevance of these themes. The Indian tradition of argumentation is inclusive, with women like Sarojini Naidu and scholars such as Gārgī and Maitreyī making notable contributions, defying narrow views of their roles. Dialogues historically transcended societal barriers, with Buddhism and Jainism emerging as critiques of Brahminical dominance, promoting equality.

The culture of debate persisted through medieval India, embodied by poets like Kabir who addressed caste and religious divisions. Public reasoning is integral to Indian democracy and is rooted in a tradition of inclusive public discourse. Philosophers like John Rawls and public choice theorists such as James Buchanan highlight the significance of open discourse for democracy. Ashoka promoted civil discussions, emphasizing respectful speech, mirroring Emperor Akbar’s later efforts for interfaith dialogues. India’s secularism, stemming from millennia of religious diversity, differs from Western versions by prioritizing neutrality over prohibition. For example, Ashoka’s principles of “no extolment of one’s own sect or disparagement of other sects” and Akbar’s secular state vision resonate in India’s secular approach today, distinct from models like the French secular system (30).