As I see it, a major problem with Indian history is the lack of good documentary evidence. For example, if you casually browse through Gibbon’s “The Rise and Fall of the Roman Empire” or Plutarch’s works, you cannot fail to be impressed by the wealth of evidence and factual information provided.

Thus, like you, having been brought up on the ’sanitized’ version of Indian history taught to us by the CBSE board and feeling robbed of alternative views, I make an effort to get them wherever I find them. Although I must say, so far I have been getting only views and opinions and not a lot of hard factual information.

One more thing. That thing about Francois being gora. Sure he is. And sure goras make good poster boys. Haven’t you heard a gora is the leader of India? Who do you think elevated that one — VHP?

Just by the by, it will be a long time before Indians lose their fascination with goras. So for a while our wonderful voters will continue to insist that they be ruled by goras. And our self-serving netas will hang on to the goras and call them “Our Dear Leaders”.

I do realize that you sneer at M. Gautier. I assume your admiration is reserved for Mr Raul Antonia Maino-Gandhi.

I don’t know about you but I am not omniscient. I have to read stuff to know about matters that I was not present at. I have not seen the invasion of India that happened some centuries ago and have to rely on other people’s accounts.

I gather you are more comfortable cosing up with “A Discovery of India” by Cha-cha Nehru and considering it gospel truth. I am more inclined to think that his grasp of history is probably more like his grasp of economics or other matters dealing with the real world — very feeble. More importantly, he had a very deep motive for distorting history, not merely misapprehending it.

But perhaps you are able to read Cha-Cha and find all your answers. You have a direct apprehension of truth while I have to depend on reading a diverse set of viewpoints and make up my mind.

Its not about Francois. Why should we ignore the history? More so if its fact based. Its not about trusting the text-books or Francois. We should allow counter views and discuss merits of ideas more than the originator.

Just wondering how you get the time for reading all the junk from card carrying VHP members? Francois Gautier’s biggest claim to fame is his biography of SSRS and of course as a “gora” poster boy for VHP. Take his views with dollops of salt (perhaps with as much salt as your health can permit).