A Textbook Debate Over Hinduism

Indeed, the issue is seen on both continents as the first major test of Hindu political clout in the United States and showcases the growing influence and political savvy of Indian Americans, now one of the nation's fastest-growing ethnic groups. Led by the California-based Hindu Education Foundation and the Vedic Foundation in Texas, a broad-based group of temples, educators and community organizations has mobilized on the issue, drawing extensive news coverage in the Indian media here and abroad.

On the other side, opponents of the proposed changes include more than 100 South Asian scholars and the Friends of South Asia, a Bay Area peace group.

Glee Johnson, state Board of Education president, said the issue drew more than 1,500 letters and e-mails from the Hindu community last week alone, the highest volume of comment she has received on any issue in her two years on the board.

She said that of all subject areas, the board's reviews of history textbooks tend to stoke the most fervent community passions. In the past, she said, the board had been pressed to include in textbooks Ireland's potato famine, the internment of some Italian nationals in the U.S. during World War II and the genocide against Armenians by the Turks during World War I, an event the Turkish government disputes.

In the current round of review, Hindu groups are not the only ones asking for change. According to board materials, Jewish groups have asked for deletion of references to any Jewish role in the crucifixion of Jesus, King Solomon's use of forced labor and the lack of archeological evidence that the Exodus ever occurred, among other things.

"To many people, it gets very emotional," Johnson said. "This is not just about academics, but is tied in to people's view of themselves and their history. What we really need to do is try to be as fair as we can."

The state board reviews sixth-grade history textbooks, which explore ancient civilizations through the fall of Rome in the 5th century, every six years. Johnson said state-appointed experts had nearly completed their review of newly revised editions last summer when Hindu groups stepped in with a long list of requested changes. To review those requests for accuracy, the board appointed Shiva Bajpai, a Cal State Northridge professor of ancient Indian history.