Manu S. Pillai returns to SparX for another fascinating episode on history to give us a sneak peek into his latest book– "Gods, Guns and Missionaries". It shows us how how colonialism, religion, and identity have interacted in India over the past many years. Through 15 essays, Pillai shows how European missionaries and colonial powers changed Hinduism and its modern forms, revealing a more complex history than often told. The book also explores how these historical forces still shape Indian politics and society today.

Chapters -
00:00:00 - 00:01:08 Episode introduction
00:01:08 - 00:09:05 Manu shares the reason and journey behind writing his latest book
00:09:05 - 00:14:52 How did Christian missionaries in the colonial era shape past and modern Hindu identity?
00:14:52 - 00:26:46 How did Christian missionaries operate in colonial India and slowly spread?
00:26:46 - 00:37:40 What integral role did religious literature and printing press play in this era?
00:37:40 - 00:52:20 Which key historical figures played a crucial role in shaping the Hindutva identity?
00:52:20 - 00:58:35 Is Hinduism gradually getting homogenised and why?
00:58:35 - 01:01:25 What type of conversations does Manu intend to spark with his latest book?
01:01:25 - 01:03:37 Is reading books on history, like Manu’s, an active pursuit in India?
01:03:37 - 01:05:27 Concluding today’s episode

Resource List -
Gods, Guns, and Missionaries - Book by Manu S. Pillai amzn.in/d/6njkWSc
H-Pop - Book by Kunal Purohit amzn.in/d/26KnoHw
What is Protestantism? en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Protestantism
What was the Protestant Reformation www.britannica.com/event/Reformation
Read more about Francis Xavier www.jesuits.global/saint-blessed/saint-francis-xav…
Read more about Roberto de Nobili en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Roberto_de_Nobili
Read about Thomas Munro’s donation to Tirupati temple vocal.media/fyi/soldier-to-governor-of-madras-thom…
Read about Rous Peter’s donation to Meenakshi temple indroyc.com/2024/04/12/unveiling-the-legends-of-ma….
Charles Wilkins translating the Gita www.mvnadkarni.com/files/Introduction%20to%20Charl…

About SparX by Mukesh Bansal

SparX is a podcast where we delve into cutting-edge scientific research, stories from impact-makers and tools for unlocking the secrets to human potential and growth.
We believe that entrepreneurship, fitness and the science of productivity is at the forefront of the India Story; the country is at the cusp of greatness and at SparX, we wish to make these tools accessible for every generation of Indians to be able to make the most of the opportunities around us.

In a new episode every Monday, our host Mukesh Bansal (Founder of Myntra and Cult.fit) will talk to guests from all walks of life and also break down everything he's learnt about the science of impact over the course of his 20-year long career.
This is the India Century, and we're enthusiastic to start this journey with you.

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