Hinduism scholar Wendy Doniger on lessons from Mahabharata, her new memoir

At 85 years old, Wendy Doniger possesses the remarkable air of someone who has experienced multiple lives and knows the best stories. As a renowned scholar of Hinduism, her memoir For the Love of Stories: Confessions of An Accidental Feminist delves into her life lived on her own terms, including her diverse romances, forging unlikely friendships, and her extensive research on Sanskrit texts and Hindu mythology.

In the interview, Doniger reflects on how writing her memoir altered her perspective on her life story, recalling the joyous moments and friendships that provided her with immense happiness. The controversy surrounding her previous book, The Hindus: An Alternative History, highlighted the importance of scholars speaking out on faith, free speech, and scholarship, particularly from an outside perspective.

Despite some weak chapters on Mughal and British Raj history, Doniger believes her work on Hinduism remains highly relevant. For a student interested in studying mythology, Doniger would emphasize the importance of philology, the study of texts and history, while urging caution in the face of the current political and technological challenges.

Doniger acknowledges the diversity of Hinduism amidst Hindu nationalism in India, recognizing that the religion encompasses various aspects that align with Hindutva ideology. However, she considers the dominant narrative of Hindutva to be overshadowed by contemporary bigotry. Doniger finds solace in the teachings of Hindu texts, drawing inspiration from ideas like karma, rebirth, and the Kali Yuga to navigate the challenges of aging and death.