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The Soul of India
Book by Amaury De Riencourt
416 pages, Hardcover
First published January 1, 1986
17 people are currently reading
372 people want to read
About the author
Amaury De Riencourt
26 books95 followersAmaury de Riencourt to most modern readers is an enigma. Even the Internet doesn’t offer much about him. He was born in 1918 in Orleans France to family of historic nobility. He studied in France, North Africa and Switzerland achieving a Master’s Degree. During WWII he spent more than three years in the French Navy. For the next 20 years he traveled Asia, Africa the Balkans and America. He is the author of more than eight books, and he lectured extensively in the United States for four years; visiting 40 of the lower 48 states. (From: The Coming Caesars, 2014)
Also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaury_d...
Also: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Amaury_d...
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
February 22, 2022
A truly deep dive into the Indian soul. Never has a book inspire so much admiration for the soul of India as this book does.
The book start with the oldest literary work of Rigveda where the gods, sacrifice and nature is paramount. A development which the author compares to Roman Catholisism. The verses in Vedas are all ecstatic, all encompassing and sometimes contradicting each other, just like the Aryan authors who witnessed profound transformation with the stark contrast in geography of India when they descended from highest of thorny mountains to the wealth and comfort of green plains.
A new era begins when the Aryans are finally settled, a sort of Protestant Reformation takes place which advocates for connecting the individual self to the supreme, shunning the importance or ritual or priests which was important in the previous era. Upanishads are written. But no priests are killed or idolatry violently overthrown. The pluralistic impulses of the society absorbs all shocks.
The philosophic thinking which developed in India is of no comparison with any other civilisation in the world. Here people believed that time is illusory, as we find no written history or biography. For them science, ethics, physiology, philosophy, psychology, religion are not different but one. The reason is seen as impediment to truth which must be overcome so that one can grasp the true nature of the universe through intuition. The material nature of universe was unreal to them. The metaphysics that is developed here is incomparable to anywhere else. The caste system develops based on the belief in the truth of these metaphysical conceptions.
The society reaches its logical conclusion with the advent of Buddha. He proclaims that reason and critical thinking must be applied to discover the truth, he rejects all ritual, gods and books which are not backed by evidence. This would have broken the back of Indian soul but due to its love of plurality and all encompassing tolerance for all, it survives the revolution, unlike its fellow Greek or Chinese civilisation. Vigour of Buddhism lived side by side with Hinduism. A whole civilisation was transformed based on humanitarian principles which had never before been witnessed. Great strides in science, medicine, mathematics and art takes place, ushering a Golden era.
Maurya unites the Indian subcontinent for the first time. They refuse to build a Universal state unlike other civilisations. This decision leads to a violent history of political life in India where the winner takes all mentality prevailed, unlike Egyptian or the Chinese. To compensate for the loss of state, a strong society is developed, which remained largely unconnected and unconcerned with the political developments. This cost them dearly as violent incursions took place and the northwestern region of the land became spiritually disconnected with the mainland.
Post Mauryan empire the cast system became somewhat rigid. India was ruled by Monarchs for a long time but internally each cast, subcast and village has its own little republic with a symblance to democracy and freedom. Several invading groups were taken into the fold of India, by creating their own cast untill the Islam came. Indian people described them as unpure and hence failed to merge them as they did with previous invaders. Far detached from politics, the next 600 years Indian saw how one after the other their native kingdom fell to barbaric invaders. Democratic principle of Islam attracted many followers, but the difference between the conquering invaders and convert Hindus was made evident by applying caste system were the conquerors where upper and conquered lower cast.
People such as Kabir, Guru Gobind and Akbar tried to reconcile the very different creeds of Islam and Hinduism. Each of them failed. Kabir basically espoused worship of god, Bhakti. Guru Gobind created a 3rd religion and even a powerful monarch like Akbar who creates an all encompassing religion, too failed. A unique Indo-Islamic culture forms based on art, architecture and linguistic, which was unparalleled in the entire world since never before two religions with such stark differences had come together to form a unique culture. And so the Islam too reached its logical end of development in the land.
Next the book dives into the arrival of motivated Europeans to the aging India. The British soon capture the heart of India. The exploitation of India help British Industrialise. The old industrial India which used to produce so much goods that Europeans had to empty their gold coffers was comprehensively destroyed. The Bristishers refused to merge with the Indian civilisation. Slowly and steadily the civilisation rejuvenates. Vivekananda reawakens the mind of India and Ramakrishna it's heart. Their story is inspirational and a must read. Next as we all know, Gandhi electrified the masses, partition happens and then Nehru leads India to a new dawn. The book ends with the assassination of Indira Gandhi. An end to the era.
The book is really comprehensive and the beginning chapters on Rigveda, Upanishad and Buddha are a must read. Some historical fact may need revision and DNA evidence is out of date, or so I understand. But still a must read for anyone interested to know about the soul of India.
The book start with the oldest literary work of Rigveda where the gods, sacrifice and nature is paramount. A development which the author compares to Roman Catholisism. The verses in Vedas are all ecstatic, all encompassing and sometimes contradicting each other, just like the Aryan authors who witnessed profound transformation with the stark contrast in geography of India when they descended from highest of thorny mountains to the wealth and comfort of green plains.
A new era begins when the Aryans are finally settled, a sort of Protestant Reformation takes place which advocates for connecting the individual self to the supreme, shunning the importance or ritual or priests which was important in the previous era. Upanishads are written. But no priests are killed or idolatry violently overthrown. The pluralistic impulses of the society absorbs all shocks.
The philosophic thinking which developed in India is of no comparison with any other civilisation in the world. Here people believed that time is illusory, as we find no written history or biography. For them science, ethics, physiology, philosophy, psychology, religion are not different but one. The reason is seen as impediment to truth which must be overcome so that one can grasp the true nature of the universe through intuition. The material nature of universe was unreal to them. The metaphysics that is developed here is incomparable to anywhere else. The caste system develops based on the belief in the truth of these metaphysical conceptions.
The society reaches its logical conclusion with the advent of Buddha. He proclaims that reason and critical thinking must be applied to discover the truth, he rejects all ritual, gods and books which are not backed by evidence. This would have broken the back of Indian soul but due to its love of plurality and all encompassing tolerance for all, it survives the revolution, unlike its fellow Greek or Chinese civilisation. Vigour of Buddhism lived side by side with Hinduism. A whole civilisation was transformed based on humanitarian principles which had never before been witnessed. Great strides in science, medicine, mathematics and art takes place, ushering a Golden era.
Maurya unites the Indian subcontinent for the first time. They refuse to build a Universal state unlike other civilisations. This decision leads to a violent history of political life in India where the winner takes all mentality prevailed, unlike Egyptian or the Chinese. To compensate for the loss of state, a strong society is developed, which remained largely unconnected and unconcerned with the political developments. This cost them dearly as violent incursions took place and the northwestern region of the land became spiritually disconnected with the mainland.
Post Mauryan empire the cast system became somewhat rigid. India was ruled by Monarchs for a long time but internally each cast, subcast and village has its own little republic with a symblance to democracy and freedom. Several invading groups were taken into the fold of India, by creating their own cast untill the Islam came. Indian people described them as unpure and hence failed to merge them as they did with previous invaders. Far detached from politics, the next 600 years Indian saw how one after the other their native kingdom fell to barbaric invaders. Democratic principle of Islam attracted many followers, but the difference between the conquering invaders and convert Hindus was made evident by applying caste system were the conquerors where upper and conquered lower cast.
People such as Kabir, Guru Gobind and Akbar tried to reconcile the very different creeds of Islam and Hinduism. Each of them failed. Kabir basically espoused worship of god, Bhakti. Guru Gobind created a 3rd religion and even a powerful monarch like Akbar who creates an all encompassing religion, too failed. A unique Indo-Islamic culture forms based on art, architecture and linguistic, which was unparalleled in the entire world since never before two religions with such stark differences had come together to form a unique culture. And so the Islam too reached its logical end of development in the land.
Next the book dives into the arrival of motivated Europeans to the aging India. The British soon capture the heart of India. The exploitation of India help British Industrialise. The old industrial India which used to produce so much goods that Europeans had to empty their gold coffers was comprehensively destroyed. The Bristishers refused to merge with the Indian civilisation. Slowly and steadily the civilisation rejuvenates. Vivekananda reawakens the mind of India and Ramakrishna it's heart. Their story is inspirational and a must read. Next as we all know, Gandhi electrified the masses, partition happens and then Nehru leads India to a new dawn. The book ends with the assassination of Indira Gandhi. An end to the era.
The book is really comprehensive and the beginning chapters on Rigveda, Upanishad and Buddha are a must read. Some historical fact may need revision and DNA evidence is out of date, or so I understand. But still a must read for anyone interested to know about the soul of India.
December 12, 2024
Amaury de Riencourt’s The Soul of India (1961) presents an ambitious and deeply reflective exploration of Indian civilization, its philosophical traditions, and its historical trajectory. Through a blend of historical narrative, cultural analysis, and philosophical inquiry, de Riencourt aims to uncover the “soul” of India—a concept he uses to signify the unique spiritual essence underpinning its civilization. The book is both a celebration of India’s rich intellectual heritage and a critique of the challenges posed by modernity, making it a valuable resource for understanding the cultural and philosophical dimensions of one of the world’s oldest civilizations.
De Riencourt, a French historian and cultural philosopher, was known for his civilizational studies, including The Soul of China and The Eye of Shiva. In The Soul of India, he turns his focus to India, seeking to articulate its defining characteristics within the broader framework of his civilizational approach. The book examines India’s historical evolution, from the early Vedic period to the post-independence era, while delving deeply into the philosophical and spiritual traditions that have shaped its identity.
De Riencourt’s central argument is that India’s defining feature is its spiritual orientation, which has persisted despite centuries of political upheaval, foreign invasions, and cultural transformations. He explores how this spiritual essence has informed India’s philosophy, art, and society, while also analyzing its responses to external influences and modern challenges.
De Riencourt emphasizes that the core of Indian civilization lies in its spiritual and metaphysical orientation. He argues that Indian thought, particularly as expressed in the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita, is fundamentally concerned with the ultimate nature of reality and the relationship between the individual and the universal. Unlike Western traditions, which often prioritize rationality and empirical inquiry, Indian philosophy is characterized by its integrative and transcendental approach to knowledge.
A significant portion of the book is devoted to exploring the concepts of dharma (cosmic and social order) and karma (the law of cause and effect), which de Riencourt identifies as central to Indian thought and culture. He argues that these concepts have provided India with a unique framework for understanding human existence and moral responsibility, influencing everything from social organization to artistic expression.
De Riencourt traces India’s historical development, highlighting the continuity of its spiritual traditions despite political and cultural disruptions. He examines the impact of major events, such as the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta period, the Islamic invasions, and British colonialism, arguing that India’s spiritual core has remained resilient even in the face of external domination.
A recurring theme in the book is the tension between India’s spiritual heritage and the demands of modernity. De Riencourt critiques the Westernization of Indian society, particularly in the wake of British colonialism and the adoption of Western political and economic models. He warns that the abandonment of traditional values in favor of materialism and industrialization risks alienating India from its cultural roots.
De Riencourt’s synthesis of history, philosophy, and cultural analysis is one of the book’s major strengths. His exploration of Indian spirituality is particularly compelling, offering readers a profound understanding of the metaphysical and ethical dimensions of Indian thought. His discussion of concepts like dharma and karma is both nuanced and accessible, making complex ideas comprehensible to a wide audience.
The book’s interdisciplinary approach, which integrates insights from philosophy, history, and cultural studies, enriches its analysis and provides a holistic perspective on Indian civilization. De Riencourt’s ability to contextualize India’s spiritual traditions within its historical evolution adds depth to his arguments and underscores the enduring relevance of these traditions.
Despite its strengths, The Soul of India is not without its limitations. De Riencourt’s reliance on a civilizational framework occasionally leads to sweeping generalizations that risk oversimplifying India’s diversity and complexity. His portrayal of Indian civilization as a monolithic entity overlooks the significant regional, linguistic, and cultural variations that have shaped its history.
Moreover, his critique of modernity and Westernization, while insightful, can at times appear overly nostalgic and essentialist. By idealizing India’s spiritual heritage, de Riencourt risks downplaying the positive aspects of modernization and the agency of Indian thinkers and leaders in shaping their own responses to modern challenges.
The book’s dated perspective is another limitation. Published in 1961, it reflects the intellectual and geopolitical concerns of its time, which may feel out of step with contemporary scholarship on India. Readers may find its treatment of post-independence India particularly limited, as it does not account for the country’s subsequent economic, social, and political developments.
Despite its limitations, The Soul of India remains a valuable contribution to the study of Indian civilization and its philosophical traditions. De Riencourt’s emphasis on the spiritual dimensions of Indian culture provides a counterpoint to materialist and reductionist approaches, offering readers a deeper appreciation of India’s unique contributions to global thought.
The book is particularly relevant for those interested in the intersection of history, philosophy, and culture. While its perspective may not align with contemporary academic approaches, it serves as a useful starting point for exploring the broader themes and questions that define Indian civilization.
Amaury de Riencourt’s The Soul of India is an ambitious and thought-provoking exploration of Indian civilization. While its reliance on grand narratives and essentialist interpretations may limit its analytical precision, the book succeeds in capturing the profound spiritual essence of India and its enduring relevance in a rapidly changing world. For readers seeking an introduction to the cultural and philosophical dimensions of Indian history, The Soul of India offers a compelling and insightful perspective.
GPT
De Riencourt, a French historian and cultural philosopher, was known for his civilizational studies, including The Soul of China and The Eye of Shiva. In The Soul of India, he turns his focus to India, seeking to articulate its defining characteristics within the broader framework of his civilizational approach. The book examines India’s historical evolution, from the early Vedic period to the post-independence era, while delving deeply into the philosophical and spiritual traditions that have shaped its identity.
De Riencourt’s central argument is that India’s defining feature is its spiritual orientation, which has persisted despite centuries of political upheaval, foreign invasions, and cultural transformations. He explores how this spiritual essence has informed India’s philosophy, art, and society, while also analyzing its responses to external influences and modern challenges.
De Riencourt emphasizes that the core of Indian civilization lies in its spiritual and metaphysical orientation. He argues that Indian thought, particularly as expressed in the Vedas, Upanishads, and the Bhagavad Gita, is fundamentally concerned with the ultimate nature of reality and the relationship between the individual and the universal. Unlike Western traditions, which often prioritize rationality and empirical inquiry, Indian philosophy is characterized by its integrative and transcendental approach to knowledge.
A significant portion of the book is devoted to exploring the concepts of dharma (cosmic and social order) and karma (the law of cause and effect), which de Riencourt identifies as central to Indian thought and culture. He argues that these concepts have provided India with a unique framework for understanding human existence and moral responsibility, influencing everything from social organization to artistic expression.
De Riencourt traces India’s historical development, highlighting the continuity of its spiritual traditions despite political and cultural disruptions. He examines the impact of major events, such as the Mauryan Empire, the Gupta period, the Islamic invasions, and British colonialism, arguing that India’s spiritual core has remained resilient even in the face of external domination.
A recurring theme in the book is the tension between India’s spiritual heritage and the demands of modernity. De Riencourt critiques the Westernization of Indian society, particularly in the wake of British colonialism and the adoption of Western political and economic models. He warns that the abandonment of traditional values in favor of materialism and industrialization risks alienating India from its cultural roots.
De Riencourt’s synthesis of history, philosophy, and cultural analysis is one of the book’s major strengths. His exploration of Indian spirituality is particularly compelling, offering readers a profound understanding of the metaphysical and ethical dimensions of Indian thought. His discussion of concepts like dharma and karma is both nuanced and accessible, making complex ideas comprehensible to a wide audience.
The book’s interdisciplinary approach, which integrates insights from philosophy, history, and cultural studies, enriches its analysis and provides a holistic perspective on Indian civilization. De Riencourt’s ability to contextualize India’s spiritual traditions within its historical evolution adds depth to his arguments and underscores the enduring relevance of these traditions.
Despite its strengths, The Soul of India is not without its limitations. De Riencourt’s reliance on a civilizational framework occasionally leads to sweeping generalizations that risk oversimplifying India’s diversity and complexity. His portrayal of Indian civilization as a monolithic entity overlooks the significant regional, linguistic, and cultural variations that have shaped its history.
Moreover, his critique of modernity and Westernization, while insightful, can at times appear overly nostalgic and essentialist. By idealizing India’s spiritual heritage, de Riencourt risks downplaying the positive aspects of modernization and the agency of Indian thinkers and leaders in shaping their own responses to modern challenges.
The book’s dated perspective is another limitation. Published in 1961, it reflects the intellectual and geopolitical concerns of its time, which may feel out of step with contemporary scholarship on India. Readers may find its treatment of post-independence India particularly limited, as it does not account for the country’s subsequent economic, social, and political developments.
Despite its limitations, The Soul of India remains a valuable contribution to the study of Indian civilization and its philosophical traditions. De Riencourt’s emphasis on the spiritual dimensions of Indian culture provides a counterpoint to materialist and reductionist approaches, offering readers a deeper appreciation of India’s unique contributions to global thought.
The book is particularly relevant for those interested in the intersection of history, philosophy, and culture. While its perspective may not align with contemporary academic approaches, it serves as a useful starting point for exploring the broader themes and questions that define Indian civilization.
Amaury de Riencourt’s The Soul of India is an ambitious and thought-provoking exploration of Indian civilization. While its reliance on grand narratives and essentialist interpretations may limit its analytical precision, the book succeeds in capturing the profound spiritual essence of India and its enduring relevance in a rapidly changing world. For readers seeking an introduction to the cultural and philosophical dimensions of Indian history, The Soul of India offers a compelling and insightful perspective.
GPT
September 17, 2024
One of the most interesting and fulfilling books I’ve read about India. Made me proud to be part of this ancient civilization. It’s not called South Asia. It’s Ancient India, don’t let the door shut in your face professors at Harvard.
So many excerpts to share:
‘Indians, or at least the best amongst them, are intensely religious, and contrary to the belief commonly held in the West, their religiosity is by no means tied to its petrified and outdated caste structure and to Hindu orthodoxy.’
Also the connection between Germany and India was super interesting. Similar caste system, similar philosophical thoughts, uninterested in harmony and equilibrium.
Over all, the The philosophic thinking which developed in India is of no comparison with any other civilization in the world. Must read book. Amaury writes in thought provoking way, unlike dry English writers. My fav historian :) ciao for now. Nish .
So many excerpts to share:
‘Indians, or at least the best amongst them, are intensely religious, and contrary to the belief commonly held in the West, their religiosity is by no means tied to its petrified and outdated caste structure and to Hindu orthodoxy.’
Also the connection between Germany and India was super interesting. Similar caste system, similar philosophical thoughts, uninterested in harmony and equilibrium.
Over all, the The philosophic thinking which developed in India is of no comparison with any other civilization in the world. Must read book. Amaury writes in thought provoking way, unlike dry English writers. My fav historian :) ciao for now. Nish .
March 26, 2022
Read this miracle filled book from Mohendjaro harrappa civilisations to the assassination of Prime Minister Indra Gandhi, superb
Want to read
April 18, 2024i do want to read this book
though just from reading summaries there are many major issues i want to point out especially regarding the "aryan invasion theory"
recent dna evidence CLEARLY debunks this theory, and no people Scandinavia entered India this early on
however, i still really do want to read it to see what other views there are
though just from reading summaries there are many major issues i want to point out especially regarding the "aryan invasion theory"
recent dna evidence CLEARLY debunks this theory, and no people Scandinavia entered India this early on
however, i still really do want to read it to see what other views there are
July 20, 2025
Fine, for the time the author wrote it. He correctly predicted the rise of Hindu Nationalism (In older edition of the text) although he predicted it sooner than it actually happened and retracted it later. Good enough to get the jist and the author also focuses on the psychological aspects of what spengler called the timelessness of the Indian mind.
September 22, 2024
Treatise on unbiased view of history
October 15, 2025
This work was amazing and offers a deeply reflective examination of India’s historical, cultural, and philosophical evolution. Situating his analysis within a broader civilizational framework, Amaury seeks to uncover the “soul” of Indian civilization, a term he uses to refer to the cultural essence and enduring spirit of India across millennia. Blending historical narrative with philosophical inquiry, Amaury's attempts to bridge the gap between East and West, emphasizing the uniqueness of the Indian worldview while drawing comparisons to Western civilization.
His work is based on the thesis that civilizations go through historical cycles and that ancient civilizations like India and China have already undergone the ideological cycles that the West is undergoing now.
He claims that the greatest distinction of Indian Thought is that it is purely Ahistorical , ie, with no conception of history as a force in it's own right. Using this observation he explains much of Indian history, culture and philosophy in a very satisfactory manner.
He is clearly fond of India but doesn't hesitate to point out it's
flaws either.
Amaury's prose is also quite elegant and evocative, making complex ideas accessible to a general audience while still being intellectually rigorous.
A truly wonderful book.
Looking forward to see his interpretations of Chinese and American civilizations in his other works , namely ;
"The Soul of China" and
"The American Empire".
P.S: I bless the crazy youtuber Whatifalthist for recommending this author to me.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews