The Hindu : New Delhi News : Discovering India afresh

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Wednesday, Jun 25, 2008
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Discovering India afresh

Research-based film shows cosmopolitan culture of Ancient and Medieval India

Preaching Tolerance: Buddhist Sanchi Toranas built under the rule of the Hindu Satavahana kings.

Offering a fresh insight into Indian art and history, renowned art historian Benoy K. Behl’s film “The Oneness of Creation” will be screened at India International Centre in the Capital on Thursday after having enthralled art-lovers across Europe and North America this past month.

A result of several years of documentation and research, the film will unveil the secrets of the cosmopolitan culture of ancient and medieval India. “The film was screened recently in Berlin, Berne, London, New York and Washington to a warm response. I believe it has made a significant difference to the knowledge available and the appreciation of the fine qualities of India’s cultural, social and political history,” says Behl.

The art historian, who has made over 50 documentaries on art and sculpture in India, says the truth is that India has the most compassionate and cosmopolitan culture in the world. “This is clearly seen in the ancient inscriptions, the cosmopolitan patronage of monuments and even in art itself. For example, the entire heritage of Buddhist art in India, from the 2nd Century BC onward, was made during the rule of kings who worshipped Shiva or Vishnu. This is one of the many facts that were not highlighted by colonial historians,” he adds.

Indian Vision

According to Behl, university professors around the world have responded favourably to the film. “They have said the film provides a much-needed alternative vision for the world. This compassionate Indian vision flows through all of Indian history but has been distorted by colonial historians in the histories that we read today. This has been a great loss because true Indian culture provides a deeply philosophic understanding of how to lead one’s life,” he says.

The film has been produced by the Public Diplomacy Division of the Ministry of External Affairs.

Kunal Diwan

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