SRINAGAR: Union Minister of State for Culture and External Affairs Meenakshi Lekhi emphasised the importance of adopting “fresh perspectives and building a comprehensive and complete narrative” while discussing the need to rewrite history, The Hindu reported.
She expressed these views during the inaugural function of the three-day international conference titled ‘Reconstructing the Human Histories of South Asia using Archaeology and Genetics’ held at Kashmir University in Srinagar on June 7. Ms Lekhi, as per The Hindu stated, “The conference is a great opportunity to build a comprehensive and complete narrative of the evolution of human histories in South Asia, especially the great Indian history.”
Lekhi highlighted the significance of interdisciplinary collaboration, stating, “When people from different disciplines like archaeology, economics, genetics, culture, ancient DNA, etc work together, we are able to build a complete narrative because the gaps get filled by people from other disciplines through evidence, which needs to be collaboratively brought together.”
Commending Kashmir’s historical prominence as “a seat of great learning,” Ms Lekhi drew attention to lesser-known figures such as Abhinavagupta, who contributed to dance, drama, and music. She expressed concern over the inaccessibility of the original books, stating, “The world knows about Greek theatre, but how many people know about Abhinavagupta… The digitized copies are not being made available.”
The Minister, as per The Hindu stated that the ‘Azadi ka Amrit Mahotsav’ initiative aims “to decolonize minds, decolonize history, and write history with a fresh Indian perspective.” She also commended Kashmir University for hosting meetings related to G20.
During her visit to Kashmir, Ms Lekhi explored various sites, including the Semthan Excavation Site in Anantnag, which holds “immense archaeological significance.” She mentioned that the site provided a sequence of cultures dating back half a million years before the medieval era, bridging the gap between the Neolithic and Kushan times in Kashmir.
Furthermore, she visited the Martand Sun Temple in Anantnag, describing it as an ancient temple adorned with carvings depicting Lord Vishnu, River Goddesses Ganga and Yamuna. Ms. Lekhi regarded the temple as a testament to the Valley’s rich cultural history and glorious past. She also paid respects at the Bumzuva Cave and a temple dedicated to Lord Shiva in Jammu and Kashmir.
Meanwhile, Sanjeev Sanyal, Secretary of the Economic Advisory Council to the Prime Minister, as per The Hindu remarked, “The peopling of the world is a great miracle where South Asia has played a great role.”
The three-day conference received support from the Union Ministry of Culture, Birbal Sahni Institute of Palaeosciences, Lucknow, and KU’s Centre of Central Asian Studies (CCAS).
