‘Real’ Indians

In response to “Columbus Left ‘Real’ Indians in a Bind,” Op-Ed, Oct. 15:

The column by Ankur Goel makes interesting reading. However, as one of those “real” Indians, I do not feel that I am left in a bind because of mistaken identity of this land for India by Columbus. Actually I feel quite proud to be identified, mistaken or otherwise, with native American Indians here.

The more I came to know of the American Indian, his culture, religion steeped in spirituality and view of everything in this world and beyond as divine, it comes close to my own culture and civilization, i.e. that of India.

Perhaps naming them Indians was more than a coincidence. Before the discovery, the heights and zeniths reached by American Indian civilizations closely mirrored India’s own. Both knew the decimal system, mathematics, mining, astronomy, agriculture and architecture. In all these and more they were far ahead of their contemporaries in Europe. Their wealth was legendary. Both had vast treasures of gold and silver. Their building of holy places--in the form of pyramids--mundane reaching towards soaring heights of divine--were also alike.

And of course both shared the same fate following a European onslaught. Their lands were denuded of wealth and once-rich and proud people reduced to utter poverty and penury. India is somewhat more fortunate in that she was able to survive and overcome the misfortune and retain ancient culture and identity. Perhaps one day the natives of the American continents will be able to do the same.

JAI SOMANATH

Los Angeles