Read the Beforeitsnews.com story here. Advertise at Before It's News here.
Profile image
By Sanjeev Sabhlok's Occasional Blog-Liberty (Reporter)
Contributor profile | More stories
Story Views
Now:
Last hour:
Last 24 hours:
Total:

Marginal Revolution University’s course on India

% of readers think this story is Fact. Add your two cents.


MR University has announced a specific unit on India as part of its course on Development Economics.  

My comments:

Tyler, good stuff. Will pass this along. May I suggest that at first glance the MR University course outline is skewed to the existing, highly distorted conceptions of Indian economics that are found in standard Western textbooks (e.g. Rondo Cameron’s).

I suggest you review your course outline. It should focus on Hindu capitalism and why India was the world’s wealthiest society for most of human history. Arthashastra should get its own separate unit. It is huge! I’m currently doing some work on this issue here http://hc.sabhlokcity.com/ -a book project entitled Hindu Capitalism. My goal is to fix the huge gap in the world’s knowledge of India’s economic history. Such knowledge will also influence India’s future. Keep a watch on this website. I’ll keep uploading material as I come across it.

Second, I strongly caution against value-ridden questions like: Was British rule good for India? Study the facts and let students decide their opinions. Even this question is inflammatory and can rake up a lot of political memories of oppression. Focus on economics and economic policy.

===

Shrikanth, there is sufficient evidence of India’s wealth. It was the world’s super “power” that never exercised hard power, but spread its message in many subtle ways. I’d encourage you to read my preliminary collection of notes at the link I’ve provided above. The point is very simple: Western authors (and many Indian!) have a totally distorted view about India’s philosophy and practices. Every single feature of capitalism was present in India’s philosophy and practice. What was missing was equal freedom and equal dignity. That did harm India. Despite having such unequal dignity, its wealth – per capita – was not less than that of any other nation in the world, even till 1800 or thereabouts.

The point is that no one should attempt to teach spurious information about India. Marx, Weber, and Rondo Cameron – are all fools when it comes to India. Let those who understand India teach. MR should aim for academic rigour, not distortions – which is the key goal of “Western” thinkers (btw, ALL so-called Western thought is not really Western. Most of it can be CLEARLY linked back to Indian scepticism. What is really Western is equal dignity. That’s something India has to learn).

===

Dear Freethinker, Let me reassert – that MR should not diminish its reputation by teaching JUNK economics about India. That’s the greatest danger. I’m merely stating facts about India’s wealth. But also a VERY LARGE number of facts that are not taught in Western books on India. Please do read my preliminary notes. 

Also read this blog post I published today: http://sabhlokcity.com/2012/09/the-golden-bird-india-was-created-on-the-foundations-of-worldly-knowledge/ .

I’m not idealising the past. I’m NOT a Hindu. I come from the world’s oldest sceptical tradition – Indian. But I do note that there has been very little objective study of India’s society, philosophy, and economics. Even by many “Indian” writers.


Source:


Before It’s News® is a community of individuals who report on what’s going on around them, from all around the world.

Anyone can join.
Anyone can contribute.
Anyone can become informed about their world.

"United We Stand" Click Here To Create Your Personal Citizen Journalist Account Today, Be Sure To Invite Your Friends.

Please Help Support BeforeitsNews by trying our Natural Health Products below!


Order by Phone at 888-809-8385 or online at https://mitocopper.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST

Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomic.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST

Order by Phone at 866-388-7003 or online at https://www.herbanomics.com M - F 9am to 5pm EST


Humic & Fulvic Trace Minerals Complex - Nature's most important supplement! Vivid Dreams again!

HNEX HydroNano EXtracellular Water - Improve immune system health and reduce inflammation.

Ultimate Clinical Potency Curcumin - Natural pain relief, reduce inflammation and so much more.

MitoCopper - Bioavailable Copper destroys pathogens and gives you more energy. (See Blood Video)

Oxy Powder - Natural Colon Cleanser!  Cleans out toxic buildup with oxygen!

Nascent Iodine - Promotes detoxification, mental focus and thyroid health.

Smart Meter Cover -  Reduces Smart Meter radiation by 96%! (See Video).

Report abuse

    Comments

    Your Comments
    Question   Razz  Sad   Evil  Exclaim  Smile  Redface  Biggrin  Surprised  Eek   Confused   Cool  LOL   Mad   Twisted  Rolleyes   Wink  Idea  Arrow  Neutral  Cry   Mr. Green

    MOST RECENT
    Load more ...

    SignUp

    Login

    Newsletter

    Email this story
    Email this story

    If you really want to ban this commenter, please write down the reason:

    If you really want to disable all recommended stories, click on OK button. After that, you will be redirect to your options page.