From Amir Khusrau to Abul Kalam Azad: The Commingling of Cultures in India

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We are grateful to Professor Hirendra Nath Mukherjee, the eminent scholar and parliamentarian, for readily agreeing to deliver the Indira Gandhi Memorial Lecture for 1996 at the Asiatic Society, Calcutta.

The Society is indebted to the former Prime Minister of India, late Smt. Indira Gandhi because it was primarily her initiative that gave it the status of "An Institution of National Importance". Professor Mukherjee is certainly one of the most suitable persons to speak on a theme in memory of late Smt.. Gandhi since he knew her personally; and the topic he has chosen- "From Amir Khusrau to Abul Kalam Azad : the Commingling of Cultures in India", I am sure, has been close to his heart.

Professor Mukherjee in his lecture may have regretted being "a fugitive from the academics" and joining public life; but this monograph incorporating his lecture reveals in what a masterly way like a true academic, he has analysed the thorny issue of Hindu-Muslim relationship.

In a brief span Professor Mukherjee, the historian, has pinpointed the "Imperial mischief" of the British who sought to introduce a permanent cleavage in the country through "divide and rule". He has analysed how the truly enlightened Muslims like Amir Khusrau, Iqbal, Kabir and Moulana Azad respected Hindu belief while Raja Rammohun, through his deep readings of Muslim scriptures attained the status of "a zubberdust Moulavi".

It may not be a mere coincidence that Professor Mukherjee chose the Asiatic Society to deliver this lecture on the commingling of cultures which, according to him, constitutes the true Indian humanity.