A Review of 80 Questions About India by Murad Ali Baig

Can your questions about India be answered in 80 questions? How about the same number of questions as the total number of Hindu deities (which I understand, by one count, to number 330,000)? Thus, while 80 questions may seem inadequate, it provides a good start. 

Unlike many fine books that deal with contemporary India, Baig’s book starts at the beginning—the beginning  of humanity. Thus, we get deep history. If this seems excessive, you’ll have to understand that Baig has really written two books in one. The one deals specifically with the long and complex history of India. The other deals with religion in general and the role of changes in religion over time. Baig notes that the simple spiritualties morph into complex, exploitive organizations dominated by a priestly class. This plays out in India especially, as a priestly class (Brahmins) come to dominate Hinduism. India also contains Buddhism, Islam, Sikhism, and Christianity, each revealing rather simple origins that transform into more complex and often oppressive organizations. During this transformation spirituality suffers, Baig argues. 

Baig goes into deep history because it bears upon India today. The caste system, officially abolished, still lingers as an underlying attitude across a great deal of society. Resentment of “conquerors”, outsiders, and others perceived as aliens, propels the Hindutva movement, which promotes India for Hindus (to the exclusion of millions of Muslims and others). Baig’s work exemplifies Faulkner’s observation that “the past is never dead. It’s never really past.” 

For those interested in a deeper appreciation of India’s past, beyond the issues of contemporary economic growth and social change (but very relevant to these issues), Baig’s book is a welcome guide. Even-handed, judicious, and well researched, it’s an excellent addition to anyone’s quest to understand the enormity of India.