In a thought-provoking talk, Dr. Koenraad Elst delves into the contentious issue of historical denial and the rewriting of India’s past, with a specific focus on the massacres suffered by Hindus over the centuries. The discussion navigates through the challenges faced in acknowledging and rectifying historical truths, shedding light on various factors contributing to the persistent denial of such atrocities. Dr. Elst begins by addressing the diverse perspectives that hinder an objective understanding of historical events. Some argue that revealing true history might lead to revenge and hostility, while radical secularists and Islamists vehemently oppose corrections in historical narratives, especially those involving Hindu projects. The talk explores the contentious issue of rewriting textbooks, with opposition rooted in ideological and religious biases.

The talk also touches upon the role of so-called social justice warriors who, instead of seeking justice for all, tend to favor minorities over the majority. In the Indian context, where Hindus constitute a significant majority, this perspective often portrays Hindus as antagonists, hindering the acknowledgment of victimhood within the Hindu community. Dr. Elst traces back the series of invasions and massacres endured by Hindus over the centuries. From the Arab invasion in 633 to waves of invasions by Mahmud Ghaznavi and Mohammed Ghori, the discussion highlights the widespread destruction of Hindu temples and the killing of Hindus. Dr. Elst questions the use of the term “genocide” in the forced expulsion of Pandits from Kashmir, arguing that the technique employed by Islamic terrorists aimed at expelling a community rather than outright killing.

Dr. Elst references Professor K S Lal’s estimation of 80 to 100 million missing Hindus from demographic figures between 1000 and 1525, emphasizing the profound impact of historical events on the Hindu population. The talk encompasses famines induced by punitive land taxes during the Delhi Sultanate, underscoring the multifaceted challenges faced by Hindus throughout history.