Comments on: The Myth of “Martial Races”

By: Sahej

Sahej — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 19:35:09 +0000

Amitabh,

I like that style of bhangra, fluid and within the beat. the other style with all the picking up people and the overuse of the dang to me seems a little overdone

By: SM Intern

SM Intern — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 19:34:07 +0000

Ok, guys, this thread has drifted quite a bit from the original topic, so it’s time to close it. Perhaps we’ll have a discussion about the Chola kings sometime soon.

By: Sahej

Sahej — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 19:32:40 +0000

Actually, one of the greatest fights in Sikh history was the battle at chamkaur sahib. What is your opinion of that pannini?

By: Panini Pothoharvi

Panini Pothoharvi — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 19:25:07 +0000

Thanks Amitabh! That was very thoughtful of you! I’m a non-practising Hindu who feels like a Sikh for all the wrong (non-martial) reasons. I’m close to Guru Nanak and feel the warmth of his poetry each passing day. I couldn’t ask for more.

By: Amitabh

Amitabh — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 19:23:52 +0000

the real “Ponniyin Selvan” (a great Chola king, BTW) shows the propaganda that I have been fed with and the stories I believe in. Also “Tiger” is the symbol of the Cholas and you would know from what stories that Tamil Tigers in Srilanka got inspired from..

I would love to know more about this.

By: Amitabh

Amitabh — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 19:15:52 +0000

I'm most disappointed.

There, there, Panini. Don't take it so hard. Here, watch this, you'll feel better.

By: Ponniyin Selvan

Ponniyin Selvan — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 19:15:05 +0000

I think overall Amardeep has done excellent work in initiating some very thought provoking and productive debates but in this one he has made a clear faux pas. Imagine people holding forth on racial features of the jats from Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab! People referring to the Rajput side of their ancestry!

What exactly is wrong with that. People referring proudly to their ancestry lets us know of the stories and propaganda that they grew up with.. It is the same for all of us, isn’t it??. The reason why I took the handle “Ponniyin Selvan” even though I can’t possibly have any relation with the real “Ponniyin Selvan” (a great Chola king, BTW) shows the propaganda that I have been fed with and the stories I believe in. Also “Tiger” is the symbol of the Cholas and you would know from what stories that Tamil Tigers in Srilanka got inspired from.. Everyone believes in “stories” about God / religion / prophet / ancestry / race etc.. and it is interesting to know those “stories”.

By: Panini Pothoharvi

Panini Pothoharvi — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 18:27:22 +0000

I beg to differ with you Circus in Jungle. To start a debate about “martial race” in this day and age and to open the discussion with a public declaration of your own sense of pride about the military services of the Sikhs makes one very sad indeed. I think overall Amardeep has done excellent work in initiating some very thought provoking and productive debates but in this one he has made a clear faux pas. Imagine people holding forth on racial features of the jats from Haryana, Rajasthan and Punjab! People referring to the Rajput side of their ancestry!

By: circus in jungle

circus in jungle — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 17:37:48 +0000

135: I don't think this post is highly inflammable. It is a good topic. Thanks Amardeep.

Some seem to be very jealous defenders of Sikh martial tradition. I don't agree with all off Jai's points but labeling them or this whole thread as regressive is going too far. imho.

Some people are going to post things with little thought or incorrect stuff or their prejudices or their biases. Who isn't guilty of atleast one? There is nothing wrong with that as long as one should be able to call spade a spade but without using too many adjectives.

By: Panini Pothoharvi

Panini Pothoharvi — Sat, 23 Dec 2006 16:57:47 +0000

Circus in Jungle, you are asking the wrong people and on the wrong forum. Imagine Amardeep starting this highly inflammable, if not regressive, discussion! I’m most disappointed.