Unmasking the 'Dark Ages': Jaishankar on Europe's Global Ascendancy and India's Heritage Reclamation

External Affairs Minister S. Jaishankar has once again delivered a potent and thought-provoking critique of history, challenging the conventional narrative surrounding European global ascendancy. In a recent impassioned address, he unequivocally declared that this era, often celebrated in Western historiography, was in fact a 'dark age' for a significant portion of the world, marked by a systematic and deliberate campaign to erase the rich heritage and knowledge systems of other civilizations.

Jaishankar's remarks cut to the core of post-colonial discourse, spotlighting the profound and often devastating impact of European dominance on regions like India.

He articulated with conviction how colonizers sought not merely to exploit resources but to dismantle the very foundations of indigenous cultures, traditions, and intellectual achievements. This wasn't incidental; it was a strategic effort to undermine local identities and establish a new world order centered around European norms and values.

The Minister powerfully invoked historical examples, implicitly referencing the destruction of ancient learning centers and the suppression of local languages and educational practices.

The colonial project, he argued, was fundamentally about intellectual and cultural subjugation. It was an era where the vibrant tapestry of diverse global heritage was systematically unraveled, replaced by a singular, imposed narrative that denigrated everything non-European.

Jaishankar's perspective is a crucial component of India's evolving foreign policy and its assertion of civilizational confidence.

It's a call to action for India, and indeed for all nations that suffered under colonial rule, to reclaim their historical narratives, to celebrate their authentic heritage, and to challenge the lingering Eurocentric biases that continue to shape global understanding. He emphasized that for India, this means not just remembering the past but actively working to revive and project its unique civilizational strengths on the international stage.

This powerful articulation underscores a broader movement towards decolonizing thought and reclaiming agency.

By labeling European ascendancy as a 'dark age' for others, Jaishankar compels us to view history through a more inclusive and empathetic lens, acknowledging the immense loss and suffering inflicted upon countless societies. It’s a bold declaration that India will no longer passively accept historical distortions but will actively champion a more balanced and respectful understanding of global heritage and progress.