Prime Minister Narendra Modi's recent tribute to the historic Somnath Temple has ignited a fresh political and historical debate, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) launching a sharp critique of former Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru and certain historians. The party asserted that the temple's destruction by Mahmud of Ghazni a millennium ago was an act of religious fanaticism, a motive it claims has been downplayed.
Modi's Ode and BJP's Historical Counter
In his write-up, Prime Minister Modi described the Somnath Temple in Gujarat as a powerful symbol of India's civilisational resilience and indomitable spirit. He is scheduled to join the 'Somnath Swabhiman Parv' on January 11 to celebrate this spirit, which saw the temple rebuilt multiple times, including after Independence, following repeated vandalism and looting by invaders.
Responding to this, BJP spokesperson Sudhanshu Trivedi, in a press conference on Monday, framed the narrative differently. He connected the Prime Minister's sentiments to a broader historical conflict. Trivedi referenced US President Donald Trump's past comment about India and Pakistan fighting for 1,000 years, suggesting it aligns with the timeline of Ghazni's invasions. "Pakistan's missiles are named after Ghazni, Babar and Ghori," Trivedi stated, emphasising a long-standing civilisational struggle.
Targeting Nehru and 'Leftist' Historians
The BJP spokesperson launched a direct attack on historical portrayals of Mahmud of Ghazni. He accused Nehru and "leftist" historians of deliberately portraying the Muslim invader as merely a plunderer seeking treasure, thereby obscuring the role of religious fanaticism.
Trivedi specifically cited Nehru's book, 'Discovery of India', as a source of what he called historical distortions. He contrasted Nehru's description of Ghazni as "far more a warrior than a man of faith" with his own claim, backed by a historian's work, that Ghazni was deeply motivated by religious zeal. The invader, Trivedi argued, sought fame as a 'but-shikan' or idol-breaker, making the destruction of Somnath a religiously driven act.
Spiritual Leaders Hail Modi's Initiative
Meanwhile, several spiritual figures have praised the Prime Minister's focus on the temple. Preacher Morari Bapu called Somnath a centre of the nation's faith and stated that joining the endeavour is essential to protect it from future attacks. Swami Avdheshanand of Juna Akhara commended Modi's write-up, saying the temple stands as an ode to Indian civilisation. Their support underscores the cultural and religious significance of the event beyond immediate political discourse.
The controversy highlights the ongoing battle over historical interpretation in India's public sphere. The BJP's remarks reinforce its longstanding position of revisiting historical narratives from a nationalistic perspective, while the upcoming Somnath event is poised to be a significant moment celebrating cultural heritage and resilience.
