Koenraad Elst
Dr. Koenraad Elst was born in Leuven, Belgium, in 1959, into a Catholic family. His father was a law scholar and civil servant, while his mother transitioned from being a teacher to a housewife. From an early age, Elst displayed a keen interest in learning and dissent. He pursued his higher education at KU Leuven, earning MA degrees in Sinology, Indology, and Philosophy. His academic journey also included a research stay at Benares Hindu University, providing him insights into India’s religious issues.
Academic Achievements:
Elst conducted original fieldwork for his doctorate on Hindu nationalism, which he successfully defended magna cum laude in 1998. His work was significantly influenced by philosopher Ram Swarup and historian-publisher Sita Ram Goel. Elst’s doctoral thesis, published in 2001, became a best-seller in India.
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Career Highlights:
Throughout his career, Elst balanced his scholarly pursuits with political journalism. He contributed to various publications, both as a freelance correspondent and an employee. He also served as a research assistant in the Belgian Senate from 2011 to 2013, focusing on foreign policy issues.
Major Literary Works:
Elst’s extensive body of work comprises 25 books, numerous papers, and articles.
Some notable publications include:
1. “Ram Janmabhoomi vs. Babri Masjid, A Case Study in Hindu-Muslim Conflict” (1990)
2. “Decolonizing the Hindu Mind. Political Development of Hindu Revivalism” (2001)
3. “The Saffron Swastika. On the Notion of ‘Hindu Fascism’” (2001)
4. “Gandhi and Godse, a Review and a Critique” (2001)
5. “Who Is a Hindu? Hindu Revivalist Views of Animism, Buddhism, Sikhism and Other Offshoots of Hinduism” (2002)
6. “Ayodhya: the Case against the Temple” (2002)
7. “Return of the Swastika” (2006)
8. “The Problem with Secularism” (2007)
9. “The Argumentative Hindu. Essays by an Unaffiliated Orientalist” (2012)
Books Contributed To:
Elst has co-authored, edited, or co-edited several books, including “The Prolonged Partition and Its Pogroms” (2000) and “Gujarat after Godhra. Real Violence, Selective Outrage” (2003).
Contributions to Periodicals:
He has contributed papers to various periodicals, such as “Ayodhya’s three history debates” in the “Journal of Indian History and Culture” (2011) and “The gatherings of the elders: the beginnings of a Pagan international” in “Pomegranate” (2012/1).
Dutch Publications:
Elst has authored several Dutch publications, including “Het boek bij het Boek” (2009), “De donkere zijde van het boeddhisme” (2010), and “Heidendom in India: hindoeïsme en christendom, dialoog tussen vreemden” (2014).
Personal Life:
Despite facing health challenges, including three life-saving operations and a heart transplantation in 2007, Elst remains intellectually active. He has four children from his previous marriage and currently resides in a suburb of Antwerp.
Legacy and Impact:
Dr. Koenraad Elst’s contributions to the understanding of Hinduism, Indian history, and religious conflicts have left a lasting impact. His critical examination of historical events, religious ideologies, and political dynamics continues to stimulate scholarly discussions and debates.
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