American Indian culture – as it existed before the Spanish conquest – showed many similarities with Hindu culture. The author’s
thesis (in brief) is that these similarities are not the product of coincidence, but of cultural contacts during prehistoric times. At the cost of repeating oneself, these need to be enumerated:
• Boys were handed over to priests for education at an early age.
• Ancestor worship was prevalent. Offerings were made to the dead.
• Bathing was an important part of their ceremonial rituals.
• The American Indian customs and ceremonies regarding childbirth were also very similar to those of the Hindus. Sons were held in higher esteem than daughters…
• Courtship was the exception rather than the norm. Marriages (of their offspring) were arranged by the parents. Astrologers helped to determine the suitability of these marriages.
• The caste system (the division of labor) was prevalent in both societies, as it was supposed to be conducive to social order.
• Religious sacrifices consisted of offering food to fire.
• The American Indians also believed in the immortality of the soul – and its transmigration.
• Warriors slain in battle were led to their heavenly abode in the afterlife.
• The journey from this world to the underworld was regarded as dangerous and full of danger.
• Cremation – especially among the nobility – was a solemn and elaborate ceremony.
• The coronation ceremony of the Mexican kings resembled those of the Hindus.
• The young people were respectful of the old.
• There was a strong pantheistic essence to their worship and ceremonies. Heavenly bodies (especially the Sun) and the elements of nature formed an essential part of their religion/s.
• It is a common misconception that the Indians were bloodthirsty warriors. Because, the chief objective of the warriors was to capture (and not to kill) their enemies.
• Women – by and large – were treated as the equals of men. Women enjoyed position of honor in the family, and even ruled over empires. Later, however, like their Hindu sisters they also fell victim to the dead hand of custom.
Certain intellectual objections have been raised regarding the author’s central thesis; which is also regarded as challenging to anthropologists. Briefly, these objections consist of the following points:
1... These conclusions are regarded as inconclusive (Jawaharlal Nehru)
2... American Indian civilization is not a unique culture, but consists of the amalgamation of various different cultures. If one tries hard enough, one is bound to come up with some parallels. (Dr. Radha Krishnan)
3... It could just as well be argued that the ancient Hindus had borrowed from the American Indians – instead of vice versa! (Dr. Radha Krishnan)
4... These conclusions are too startling to be true. (M.K. Gandhi)
5... The thesis is flattering to traditional national pride. (Mrs. Sarojini Naidu)
6... The information provided is both vague and meager. (Mrs. Sarojini Naidu)
7... The established beliefs are that Columbus discovered America. (Madan Mohan Malviya)
8... The book is very much out of the common. (Dr. Bhagavan Das)