UK-based Sanskrit scholar Hegarty declares: ‘India’s diversity defies singular Western narrative’

Professor James Hegarty, a distinguished scholar in Sanskrit and Indian religions at Cardiff University, recently emphasised the complexity of India, urging against the Western tendency to reduce the nation to a singular spiritual narrative. In an exclusive interview with IANS, Prof. Hegarty shared insights from his extensive academic journey and personal experiences that have refined his understanding of Indian culture.

Professor Hegarty, who leads the School of History, Archaeology, and Religion, highlighted the multifaceted nature of Indian literature and religion. “India cannot be confined to one narrative,” he stated, reflecting on the common Western portrayal of India predominantly through a spiritual lens. His academic voyage into Indian studies was not only scholarly but also deeply personal, evolving over years of engagement with Sanskrit texts and Hindu philosophy.

The professor’s fascination with Indian mythology began at a young age, sparked by global arts exposure from liberal grandparents and further fueled by contrasting narratives from his Christian schooling. “Watching adaptations of the Mahabharata and diving into comic books critiquing Western perspectives opened my eyes to non-Western worldviews,” he recalled.

Key figures like Krishna and Gandhari from the Mahabharata have particularly captured his interest. Krishna, portrayed as both human and divine, offers layers of interpretation that Prof. Hegarty finds endlessly compelling. Meanwhile, Gandhari’s moral steadfastness and personal sacrifice symbolise the deep ethical considerations within Indian epics.

Prof. Hegarty’s academic career, marked by an M.A. from the University of Manchester and a PhD supported by prestigious bodies like the British Academy, has been dedicated to exploring how religious narratives shape identity and societal structures in South Asia. His work spans across Hindu, Buddhist, Jain, Sikh, and Christian traditions, focusing on how these stories influence modern interpretations of life, politics, and history.

A recent visit to a BAPS Swaminarayan temple further enriched his perspective, offering a serene environment that allowed him to reflect on his studies from a new angle. “Engaging with these traditions has not only been about academic pursuit but has profoundly influenced my personal worldview,” he added.

Professor Hegarty’s scholarly contributions include notable publications like “Religion, Narrative and Public Imagination in South Asia” and co-editing “The Oxford Handbook of Hindu Literature.” His research continues to challenge and expand the understanding of religious and cultural dynamics in South Asia beyond stereotypical Western viewpoints.