The Development of Aryan Invasion Theory in India: A Critique of Nineteenth-Century Social Constructionism

This book delves deep into the Social Construction of Theory, comparative epistemology and intellectual history to stress the interrelationship between diverse cultures during the colonial period and bring forth convincing evidence of how the 19th century was shaped. It approaches an interesting relation between the linguistic studies of 19th century’s scientific world and subsequent widespread acceptance of the empirically weak theory of the Aryan invasion. To show entangled history in a globalized world, the book draws on the Aryan Invasion Theory to highlight how different socio-religious parties commonly shape a new theory. It also explores how research is affected by the so-called social construction of theory and comparative epistemology, and deals with scholarly advancement and its relation with contemporary socio-political demands. The most significant conclusion of the book is that academic studies are prone to comparative epistemology, even under the strict scrutiny of theso-called scientific methods.

Table of Contents:
1 Introduction.- 2 Max Müller’s Beginning of Modern Religious Study and the Silent Formulation of Aryan Invasion Theory.- 2.1 Introduction.- 2.2 Curiosity to Common Past: The Study of Ancient Indian Literature in Europe.- 2.3 Emergence of Max Müller in European Scientific Scene.- 2.4 Max Müller’s First Synthesis: Science Of Language.- 2.5 Max Müller’s Second Synthesis: Science or Religion.- 2.6 Max Müller’s Silent Formulation of Aryan Invasion Theory.- 2.7 Conclusion.- 3 Brahmo Samaj as an Actor in the Dissemination of Aryan Invasion Theory In India.- 3.1 Introduction.- 3.2 A Short Overview of Brahmo Samaj.- 3.3 The Coagulation of Brahmo Samaj: From Conflict To Collaboration With Christian Missionaries.- 3.4 Keshub’s New Synthesis: Making Brahmo Samaj Really Universal.- 3.5 Aryan Invasion Theory and its Contradiction With Christianity.- 3.6 Using the Tools of British Empire: The Politicization of Brahmo Samaj.- 3.7 Summary.- 4 The Role of Christian Missionaries Towards Formulation andSpreading of Aryan Invasion Theory in India.- 4.1 Christianity in 19th Century Europe.- 4.2 Oxford Movement.- 4.3 Colonial Missions.- 4.4 History of Christian Missions In India.- 4.5 Missionary Interest in India: Methods and Outcome.- 4.6 Initial Setback of Missions: Insurmountable Obstacles.- 4.7 Interaction With Indian Social Reformers.- 4.8 Intellectual Conflict Between Missionaries and Social Reformers.- 4.9 Educational Reform Movement: A New Strategy.- 4.10 Christianity and Colonialism in India.- 4.11 Discovery of Aryan Invasion Theory.- 4.12 Müller’s Role in Linguistic Studies: Colonial Ties.- 4.13 Reactions of Christian Missionary Groups to Aryan Myth.- 4.14 Aryan Invasion Theory and the Role of Christian Missions In India.- 4.15 Vedantist Movement in Calcutta After Rammohun.- 4.16 Reactions of Social Reformers: Dayanand Saraswati, Bal Gangadhar Tilak, Jyotirao.- 4.17 Divide and Rule.- 4.18 Adoption By Christian Missionaries: A New Method.- 4.19 Müller’s Communications With Social Reformers in India and the Propagation of Aryan Invasion Theory.- 4.20 Conclusion.- 5 Summary.- 5.1 Extending the Research on Max Müller 179.- 5.2 Future Directions.