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Reclaiming Hindu Temples: Episodes from an Oppressive Era
Reclaiming Hindu Temples: Episodes from an Oppressive Era by Chandni Sengupta is a detailed, academic look at the Sultanate period, or the early medieval period, which marked the imposition of Islamic fundamentalism in India.
From the 13th Century to the arrival of the Mughals in the 16th Century, several dynasties ruled from Delhi, called Sultans – like the Slave dynasty, the Khaljis, the Lodhis, etc – and created havoc in the areas within and around Delhi. They were specifically enthused by their holy war, and indulged wantonly in destroying Hindu temples, killing Hindus, capturing their women to be sold later, and imposing taxation and other methods to torture the Hindus and alienate them from the normal body-politic; besides effecting mass conversions at sword-point.
Sengupta quotes copiously from the sources like the court historians of these barbaric rulers, which expose the glee with which they carried out such pogroms. In doing so, the author has systematically exploded the oft-repeated line from historians, who claimed that this period spawned synthesis of syncretic culture, under the influence from the Sultanate rulers. “This period did not have a single moment of peace for the Hindus,” says the author.
From the 13th Century to the arrival of the Mughals in the 16th Century, several dynasties ruled from Delhi, called Sultans – like the Slave dynasty, the Khaljis, the Lodhis, etc – and created havoc in the areas within and around Delhi. They were specifically enthused by their holy war, and indulged wantonly in destroying Hindu temples, killing Hindus, capturing their women to be sold later, and imposing taxation and other methods to torture the Hindus and alienate them from the normal body-politic; besides effecting mass conversions at sword-point.
Sengupta quotes copiously from the sources like the court historians of these barbaric rulers, which expose the glee with which they carried out such pogroms. In doing so, the author has systematically exploded the oft-repeated line from historians, who claimed that this period spawned synthesis of syncretic culture, under the influence from the Sultanate rulers. “This period did not have a single moment of peace for the Hindus,” says the author.
- GenresHistoryNonfiction
232 pages, Paperback
First published November 7, 2021
27 people want to read
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Displaying 1 - 5 of 5 reviews
November 25, 2021
Splendid. Will try to review later.
April 9, 2024
Title: Reclaiming Hindu Temples
Author: Chandni Sengupta
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book is a scholarly exposition delving into the tumultuous epoch of the Sultanate period, a crucible of Islamic fundamentalism in India during the 13th to the 16th centuries. The author meticulously unravels the harrowing saga of despotic regimes, epitomized by the Slave dynasty, the Khaljis, the Lodhis, et al., whose reign from Delhi was marred by egregious atrocities against Hindus. With an erudite command of historical sources, including the annals of court historians serving these tyrants, she unveils the stark reality of wanton destruction of Hindu temples, massacres, enslavement of women, and draconian measures aimed at subjugating and alienating Hindus from the societal fabric.
One of the salient achievements of the author's tome lies in her resolute refutation of the prevalent historiographical narrative that romanticizes this era as a cauldron of cultural synthesis under the aegis of Sultanate rulers. By deftly juxtaposing historical accounts with irrefutable evidence, she compellingly demonstrates that the supposed synthesis was but a veneer concealing the relentless persecution endured by Hindus. Her incisive analysis lays bare the fallacy of portraying this period as one characterized by harmonious intermingling of diverse traditions, exposing it instead as an era marked by unrelenting strife and oppression for the Hindu populace.
Central to her narrative is the palpable anguish of a civilization subjected to incessant torment, bereft of respite or reprieve. Through evocative prose and meticulous scholarship, she vividly illustrates the profound trauma inflicted upon Hindu society, dispelling any semblance of historical amnesia or revisionism. Moreover, she meticulous citation of primary sources serves to authenticate her narrative, lending credence to her damning indictment of the Sultanate rulers and their legacy of religious intolerance and despotism.
In essence, it emerges as a seminal work of historiography, challenging entrenched narratives and illuminating the dark recesses of a turbulent epoch. Her magisterial scholarship not only elucidates the pernicious realities of the Sultanate period but also underscores the imperative of reclaiming and reckoning with the silenced voices and forgotten agonies of India's Hindu populace. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of rigorous historical inquiry in confronting the injustices of the past and shaping a more equitable future.
Author: Chandni Sengupta
Rating: 🌟🌟🌟🌟🌟
This book is a scholarly exposition delving into the tumultuous epoch of the Sultanate period, a crucible of Islamic fundamentalism in India during the 13th to the 16th centuries. The author meticulously unravels the harrowing saga of despotic regimes, epitomized by the Slave dynasty, the Khaljis, the Lodhis, et al., whose reign from Delhi was marred by egregious atrocities against Hindus. With an erudite command of historical sources, including the annals of court historians serving these tyrants, she unveils the stark reality of wanton destruction of Hindu temples, massacres, enslavement of women, and draconian measures aimed at subjugating and alienating Hindus from the societal fabric.
One of the salient achievements of the author's tome lies in her resolute refutation of the prevalent historiographical narrative that romanticizes this era as a cauldron of cultural synthesis under the aegis of Sultanate rulers. By deftly juxtaposing historical accounts with irrefutable evidence, she compellingly demonstrates that the supposed synthesis was but a veneer concealing the relentless persecution endured by Hindus. Her incisive analysis lays bare the fallacy of portraying this period as one characterized by harmonious intermingling of diverse traditions, exposing it instead as an era marked by unrelenting strife and oppression for the Hindu populace.
Central to her narrative is the palpable anguish of a civilization subjected to incessant torment, bereft of respite or reprieve. Through evocative prose and meticulous scholarship, she vividly illustrates the profound trauma inflicted upon Hindu society, dispelling any semblance of historical amnesia or revisionism. Moreover, she meticulous citation of primary sources serves to authenticate her narrative, lending credence to her damning indictment of the Sultanate rulers and their legacy of religious intolerance and despotism.
In essence, it emerges as a seminal work of historiography, challenging entrenched narratives and illuminating the dark recesses of a turbulent epoch. Her magisterial scholarship not only elucidates the pernicious realities of the Sultanate period but also underscores the imperative of reclaiming and reckoning with the silenced voices and forgotten agonies of India's Hindu populace. It stands as a testament to the enduring power of rigorous historical inquiry in confronting the injustices of the past and shaping a more equitable future.
May 4, 2025
From the moment I opened Reclaiming Hindu Temples by Dr. Chandni Sengupta, I knew I was holding a work of scholarship that would profoundly reshape my understanding of India’s medieval past. In this meticulously researched volume, Chandni ma’am takes us on a compelling journey through the 13th to 16th centuries, exposing for the first time in such vivid detail the systematic assault on Hindu places of worship. I found myself nodding in agreement as she dismantles long-standing myths propagated by a cadre of Marxist historians, revealing a narrative of persecution and resilience that too often remains hidden in standard textbooks.
Scope and Scholarship: Casting New Light
Dr. Sengupta’s scope is impressive: nine thoughtfully structured chapters cover the breadth of the Delhi Sultanate and its regional offshoots. Rather than offering a dry procession of dates and names, she weaves together regional case-studies—from Sind and Multan to Somanatha and the Khanate of Delhi—to illustrate a pattern of targeted iconoclasm. I was particularly struck by her chapter on Sikandar Butshikan, where she details how temple statues were melted down to mint coins, a chilling symbol of cultural eradication and economic plunder.
Debunking Marxist Propaganda: Courageous Revisionism
Perhaps the most exhilarating aspect of this book is Chandni ma’am’s fearless confrontation of Marxist historiography. For decades, a certain school of thought has downplayed or even romanticized the Delhi Sultanate as an era of “cultural synthesis.” I found her critique utterly convincing: by diligently cross-examining Persian and Arabic chronicles against local oral traditions, she exposes selective readings and outright omissions in works by prominent Marxist scholars. Her chapter “Foundations of the Dark Age” shines a harsh spotlight on the ways in which ideological biases have colored mainstream narratives, and I applaud her for refusing to let academic politics obscure the suffering endured by Hindu communities.
Mastery of Primary Sources: Letting the Records Speak
One of Chandni ma’am’s greatest strengths is her command of primary sources. Fluent in multiple medieval languages, she quotes firsthand accounts that have long gathered dust in archives—letters from temple custodians, edicts issued by sultans, and contemporaneous travelers’ reports. I was deeply impressed by how she allows these voices to speak for themselves, often with heartbreaking clarity. In her recounting of the 1299 attack on Ranthambore, for example, the anguished plea of a temple priest rises off the page, making it impossible to ignore the human cost behind statistics.
Writing Style and Accessibility: Scholarship for All
Despite the weighty subject matter, Reclaiming Hindu Temples remains remarkably accessible. Chandni ma’am writes with clarity and compassion, avoiding jargon without sacrificing academic rigor. I found each chapter to be a page-turner; her vivid descriptions and judicious use of maps and illustrations brought medieval India to life in a way few history books manage. This is not merely a tome for specialists—it belongs on the shelves of anyone who cares about India’s heritage.
Impact and Legacy: A Call to Remembrance
By documenting atrocities and honoring the resilience of temple communities, Chandni ma’am issues a profound call to remembrance. I closed the book with a renewed sense of respect for India’s temple traditions and an acute awareness of how easy it is for oppressive episodes to be whitewashed. Her work lays the groundwork for future scholarship and public discourse, insisting that we confront uncomfortable truths if we are to build a truly inclusive understanding of our past.
Conclusion: An Essential Contribution
In sum, Reclaiming Hindu Temples is nothing short of a landmark contribution to Indian historiography. I wholeheartedly endorse Chandni Sengupta’s brave scholarship and her unflinching critique of Marxist distortions. This book not only restores dignity to the countless Hindus whose sacred spaces were desecrated but also demonstrates the power of rigorous, unbiased research to reclaim lost chapters of our collective story. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
Scope and Scholarship: Casting New Light
Dr. Sengupta’s scope is impressive: nine thoughtfully structured chapters cover the breadth of the Delhi Sultanate and its regional offshoots. Rather than offering a dry procession of dates and names, she weaves together regional case-studies—from Sind and Multan to Somanatha and the Khanate of Delhi—to illustrate a pattern of targeted iconoclasm. I was particularly struck by her chapter on Sikandar Butshikan, where she details how temple statues were melted down to mint coins, a chilling symbol of cultural eradication and economic plunder.
Debunking Marxist Propaganda: Courageous Revisionism
Perhaps the most exhilarating aspect of this book is Chandni ma’am’s fearless confrontation of Marxist historiography. For decades, a certain school of thought has downplayed or even romanticized the Delhi Sultanate as an era of “cultural synthesis.” I found her critique utterly convincing: by diligently cross-examining Persian and Arabic chronicles against local oral traditions, she exposes selective readings and outright omissions in works by prominent Marxist scholars. Her chapter “Foundations of the Dark Age” shines a harsh spotlight on the ways in which ideological biases have colored mainstream narratives, and I applaud her for refusing to let academic politics obscure the suffering endured by Hindu communities.
Mastery of Primary Sources: Letting the Records Speak
One of Chandni ma’am’s greatest strengths is her command of primary sources. Fluent in multiple medieval languages, she quotes firsthand accounts that have long gathered dust in archives—letters from temple custodians, edicts issued by sultans, and contemporaneous travelers’ reports. I was deeply impressed by how she allows these voices to speak for themselves, often with heartbreaking clarity. In her recounting of the 1299 attack on Ranthambore, for example, the anguished plea of a temple priest rises off the page, making it impossible to ignore the human cost behind statistics.
Writing Style and Accessibility: Scholarship for All
Despite the weighty subject matter, Reclaiming Hindu Temples remains remarkably accessible. Chandni ma’am writes with clarity and compassion, avoiding jargon without sacrificing academic rigor. I found each chapter to be a page-turner; her vivid descriptions and judicious use of maps and illustrations brought medieval India to life in a way few history books manage. This is not merely a tome for specialists—it belongs on the shelves of anyone who cares about India’s heritage.
Impact and Legacy: A Call to Remembrance
By documenting atrocities and honoring the resilience of temple communities, Chandni ma’am issues a profound call to remembrance. I closed the book with a renewed sense of respect for India’s temple traditions and an acute awareness of how easy it is for oppressive episodes to be whitewashed. Her work lays the groundwork for future scholarship and public discourse, insisting that we confront uncomfortable truths if we are to build a truly inclusive understanding of our past.
Conclusion: An Essential Contribution
In sum, Reclaiming Hindu Temples is nothing short of a landmark contribution to Indian historiography. I wholeheartedly endorse Chandni Sengupta’s brave scholarship and her unflinching critique of Marxist distortions. This book not only restores dignity to the countless Hindus whose sacred spaces were desecrated but also demonstrates the power of rigorous, unbiased research to reclaim lost chapters of our collective story. I cannot recommend it highly enough.
February 14, 2024
As we celebrated the grand inauguration of Rāma Mandir at Ayodhya, Hindus also acted as a pivot to the reclamation process and the first defeat of Radical Prophetic Monotheism. The world’s oldest civilisation has set up the chessboard and officially sent an invitation to the lost civilisations to resurrect back in the game.
While we celebrated this grand event, the temple remained a subject of discussion & disagreements. Many called it unnecessary or some said there was no temple existed prior to the Babri Structure. Well the Rāma temple was not the only temple lost at the hands of Radical Zealots. The total figure of temples destroyed during Islamic Period reaches upto five digits.
Today, I brought you a vital read which unabashedly mentions the Islamic brutalities in the medieval period and the temples sacrificed. “Reclaiming Hindu Temples: Episodes from an Oppressive Era” is a magnum opus meticulously authored by Chandni Sengupta. The book encapsulates series of events of desecration of Temples in Sind & Multan up till the savagery of the Lodis.
Expanded in 9 chapters (please refer the second slide), focusing heavily on the temple destruction during Sultanate period, this book smokes out the lies and myths proffered by left-leaned and marxist historians post independence. Instead of succumbing to shallow intellectualism, the author painstakingly collates available Persian and Arabic sources to make authoritative and unbiased claims.
The book welcomes you with a very well-levelled Introduction where the author corroborates and serves you a small backdrop of Islam, Muhammad and the birth Iconoclasm. Moving ahead, within the introduction part, she calls out the blatant lies and justifications of desolation of temples, exonerating Muslim rulers of iconoclasm in the Sultanate period by some “Eminent Historian” who ruled our textbooks. She also name some of the nationalist luminaries who battled against the odds in academia. The info provided in the Introduction part was a prerequisite and I am so thankful to the author for specifically mention these details before the reader switch to the main contents. This book works fine as a reference material.
Muslim Iconoclasm led to centuries of Hindu humiliation. Looting wealth, enslaving kids, raping women, ravaging temples and uprooting Sanātana. From priests to farmers, everyone was targeted, humiliated for his/her religious beliefs which was conflicting to this savage ideology drenched with unimaginable detestation. The Sultanate Period has been purposefully regarded as a “Golden Age” of Medieval India where we, allegedly, marked great achievements in art, literature, architecture, peace and prosperity. But sadly, it’s all hoax. It’s time we need to depart ourselves from deceptions propounded by notorious historians and admit that it was an era of misery and not miracles.
Based on primary sources, this book enunciates the humiliation and killings of Hindus in the Sultanate age. The brutal way in which hindu temples were demolished and the dread was implanted by alien civilisation. As the new dimensions of re-writing the History of Bhārata opens up, we need to celebrate such erudite and trained historians like Chandni Sengupta for their brilliant contribution into the field of literature. This book is not just for the extraordinary. From a serious history buff who is willing to advance in this field of research to an average hindu who is seeking way to reach out to his/her actual past, this book serves the purpose of all. I request the Hindu Community to embrace this book and help us challenge and fight the erroneous narratives in the mainstream. Till then, take care and happy reading!
While we celebrated this grand event, the temple remained a subject of discussion & disagreements. Many called it unnecessary or some said there was no temple existed prior to the Babri Structure. Well the Rāma temple was not the only temple lost at the hands of Radical Zealots. The total figure of temples destroyed during Islamic Period reaches upto five digits.
Today, I brought you a vital read which unabashedly mentions the Islamic brutalities in the medieval period and the temples sacrificed. “Reclaiming Hindu Temples: Episodes from an Oppressive Era” is a magnum opus meticulously authored by Chandni Sengupta. The book encapsulates series of events of desecration of Temples in Sind & Multan up till the savagery of the Lodis.
Expanded in 9 chapters (please refer the second slide), focusing heavily on the temple destruction during Sultanate period, this book smokes out the lies and myths proffered by left-leaned and marxist historians post independence. Instead of succumbing to shallow intellectualism, the author painstakingly collates available Persian and Arabic sources to make authoritative and unbiased claims.
The book welcomes you with a very well-levelled Introduction where the author corroborates and serves you a small backdrop of Islam, Muhammad and the birth Iconoclasm. Moving ahead, within the introduction part, she calls out the blatant lies and justifications of desolation of temples, exonerating Muslim rulers of iconoclasm in the Sultanate period by some “Eminent Historian” who ruled our textbooks. She also name some of the nationalist luminaries who battled against the odds in academia. The info provided in the Introduction part was a prerequisite and I am so thankful to the author for specifically mention these details before the reader switch to the main contents. This book works fine as a reference material.
Muslim Iconoclasm led to centuries of Hindu humiliation. Looting wealth, enslaving kids, raping women, ravaging temples and uprooting Sanātana. From priests to farmers, everyone was targeted, humiliated for his/her religious beliefs which was conflicting to this savage ideology drenched with unimaginable detestation. The Sultanate Period has been purposefully regarded as a “Golden Age” of Medieval India where we, allegedly, marked great achievements in art, literature, architecture, peace and prosperity. But sadly, it’s all hoax. It’s time we need to depart ourselves from deceptions propounded by notorious historians and admit that it was an era of misery and not miracles.
Based on primary sources, this book enunciates the humiliation and killings of Hindus in the Sultanate age. The brutal way in which hindu temples were demolished and the dread was implanted by alien civilisation. As the new dimensions of re-writing the History of Bhārata opens up, we need to celebrate such erudite and trained historians like Chandni Sengupta for their brilliant contribution into the field of literature. This book is not just for the extraordinary. From a serious history buff who is willing to advance in this field of research to an average hindu who is seeking way to reach out to his/her actual past, this book serves the purpose of all. I request the Hindu Community to embrace this book and help us challenge and fight the erroneous narratives in the mainstream. Till then, take care and happy reading!
April 7, 2024
with Chandani Sengupta's book Reclaiming Hindu Temples: Episodes from an Oppressive Era, readers can gain a thorough understanding of the Indian Sultanate era. It explores the historical occurrences and religious disputes of this time period.
Sengupta closely studies the different dynasties, referred to as the Sultans, that governed from Delhi between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. The author sheds light on the perils these savage kings inflicted upon the Hindu people by doing in-depth study and consulting primary sources, including the texts available from Court historians.
The book describes the brutal and unsettling reality of the time, including the widespread destruction of Hindu temples, acts of violence against Hindus, the kidnapping and enslavement of women, the imposition of onerous taxes, and the forcible conversion of Hindus at the point of a sword. The idea advanced by certain historians that the Sultanate rulers at this time observed a synthesis of syncretic culture is successfully refuted by the author. Sengupta refutes this assertion by emphasising with relevant sources that the Hindu population was a constantly disturbed and stressed section throughout this time.
Reclaiming Hindu Temples illuminates a turbulent period in Indian history and is a significant work of scholarship. This well-researched and thought-provoking book especially exploring Hindu life in India during the Sultanate era. All things considered, Sengupta's scholarly methodology, bolstered by copious historical evidence, renders this book an invaluable tool for comprehending the obscure era of Indian history and religious studies.
Sengupta closely studies the different dynasties, referred to as the Sultans, that governed from Delhi between the thirteenth and sixteenth centuries. The author sheds light on the perils these savage kings inflicted upon the Hindu people by doing in-depth study and consulting primary sources, including the texts available from Court historians.
The book describes the brutal and unsettling reality of the time, including the widespread destruction of Hindu temples, acts of violence against Hindus, the kidnapping and enslavement of women, the imposition of onerous taxes, and the forcible conversion of Hindus at the point of a sword. The idea advanced by certain historians that the Sultanate rulers at this time observed a synthesis of syncretic culture is successfully refuted by the author. Sengupta refutes this assertion by emphasising with relevant sources that the Hindu population was a constantly disturbed and stressed section throughout this time.
Reclaiming Hindu Temples illuminates a turbulent period in Indian history and is a significant work of scholarship. This well-researched and thought-provoking book especially exploring Hindu life in India during the Sultanate era. All things considered, Sengupta's scholarly methodology, bolstered by copious historical evidence, renders this book an invaluable tool for comprehending the obscure era of Indian history and religious studies.
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