THE ANTECEDENTSRomila Thapar (1931)

Facts of the writer Well known historian Controversial “Antecedents” discusses

India's social and economic structure with the political and dynastic events during the era.

Synonyms:Antecedents = past history, backgroundEvoke= call to mind, suggestAllure = attraction, appeal, magnetismRomanticism = idealism, optimism, impracticalityVital = important, fundamental, crucialPulsating = lively, vivacious, energeticHallucination = vision, illusion, mirageFabulous = wonderful, magnificent, marvellousMystical = spiritual, magical, supernatural

Charitable = generous, benevolent, altruisticPerpetuation = maintenance, continuation, keepingBenevolence = kindness, compassion, generositySanity = good sense, wisdom, reasonRational = balanced, sane, normalIndividualism = uniqueness, egoism,

distinctivenessStagnant = sluggish, inactive, inertDisdain = scorn, contempt, derisionContempt = disdain, dislike, disrespect

Despotic = tyrannical, dictatorial, authoritarianContrary = opposing, different, divergentUtilitarian = useful, practical, serviceableAcclaimed = highly praised, much admired,

commended subtlety = delicacy, refinementMundane = ordinary, dull, routineVehement = fervent, passionate, intenseimbue = instill, fill, permeateSymbolism = imagery, representation

Genesis = origin, beginning, birthProtagonist = character, heroOppressive = cruel, harsh domineeringContention = argument, disagreement, controversyGlorious = magnificent, wonderful, splendidInevitable = unavoidable, expected, forseeableAdjunct = addition, attachmentAspiration = ambition, goal, aimAscribe = assign, credit, attribute

Antonyms:Romanticism X realismVital X trivialPerpetuation X endBenevolence X malevolenceSanity X insanityRational X irrationalIndividualism X conformityDisdain X respect

Despotic X democraticContrary X similarUtilitarian X uselessVehement X apatheticOppressive X libertarianContention X harmonyGlorious X inglorious, shamefulOccasional X frequent

Ancient X modernEnthusiastic X apatheticDeliberate X accidentalSubtle X obviousSpiritual X carnal, secularConsole X depressReveal X concealProportionate X disproportionate

Distinguish:Contention/ contentmentEvoke / invokeAllure / alludeAscribe / describeImbue / imbibe

Questions1. What does the essay “The Antecedents” say

about ‘India in Western imagination’?2. How would you describe India to a Westerner

today?3. India has often been called a land of

contrasts and extremities. What are your views on this?

4. What aspects of India should be viewed critically, and what aspects could be viewed with ‘amused benevolence’?

5. The West has formed different changing perceptions of India over the past. How would you like the Western world to view India?

6. History can be written from different perspectives. Do you feel that Indian history must be rewritten? Explain.