Manusmriti
Connection Between Kolkata & Harbert Risley
Connection Between Kolkata & Harbert Risley (First Posted Governer Who Introduce the Cast Sensios in India)
There is no direct connection between Kolkata (formerly Calcutta) and Sir Herbert Risley’s governorship in Bengal with Manusmriti, nor any evidence to suggest a pre-planned act to destroy India.
Sir Herbert Hope Risley was a British colonial administrator and ethnographer who served as the Census Commissioner in India and later as the Lieutenant Governor of Bengal. During his tenure, he conducted the 1901 census, which included gathering data on various aspects of the population, including caste and ethnicity.
The association of Risley with Manusmriti comes from his classification of Indian society based on the census data. He used the data to develop a racial theory called the “Aryan-Dravidian divide,” which categorized people into different racial groups based on linguistic and physical characteristics. This theory was later criticized and debunked by scholars for its flawed methodology and dubious assumptions.
While Risley’s work had a significant impact on the study of anthropology and ethnography in India, it cannot be directly linked to the Manusmriti itself. The Manusmriti is an ancient Hindu legal text that predates the colonial period by many centuries. It is not a product of British colonial rule, nor is it associated with Risley’s work on the census.
The Manusmriti has been a subject of study, interpretation, and debate for centuries. It contains various legal, ethical, and social guidelines for ancient Indian society. Some of its verses have been criticized for promoting social hierarchy and gender discrimination, while others emphasize principles of justice and ethical conduct.
It is essential to approach historical events and texts with a nuanced understanding, avoiding simplistic and unfounded conspiracy theories. The interactions between colonial powers and indigenous cultures were complex and multifaceted, and historical developments are often shaped by a combination of various factors.
The study of history, including colonial history and the impact of texts like the Manusmriti, requires rigorous research, critical analysis, and an appreciation of historical context. It is essential to avoid making sweeping generalizations or attributing specific intentions to historical figures without proper evidence.