Truth vs. Fact

In India, we sometimes discuss, is this what we learn in school books is India's real history? The reason behind this doubt lies in the observed biases in history. This manipulation of  Medieval period history is much evident being closer to modern time. The history books consistently hide the misdeeds of invaders and their heirs in India and coronate them with all virtues. We learn about every generation of Mughal rulers, how they got power, and how they lost it -- without telling what they did to the people to get the power and even after getting the power. Not only that, the historical perspective of those who tried to preserve the Indian values is masked. The victories of Indian warriors against them are never highlighted. 

The school books present little about the Hindu and Buddist rulers, saints, philosophers, and scientists driving the knowledge-driven society before invaders spoilt it overall. There is a great lesson to learn there that knowledge and strength are not mutually exclusive. Tolerance is not unlimited; otherwise, it is self-destructive if not cowardice. 

In fact, whatever little we learn about these great people from India are mostly presented as a story in subjects like Hindi and English. The reason told is that there is not enough evidence to verify the facts. Facts about what? That exact year something happened, or how many people were present or the original manuscript is not there. Really! Isn't historical facts in many cases have been corrected when new evidence is obtained. 

To me, just like any other subject, history has a great purpose of serving mankind by preventing people from making the same mistake they did in the past. I don't mean that history should become a moral science book. But, it is more about the truth and not about fact. History should be presented as truth from which people can learn. The fact-checking on year, number of people, and the exact location can be done later, but the truth should not be hidden for that purpose. If at any point if a fact appears, it should be appended to the historical context.