Penguin publishers pulps Wendy Doniger's book 'The Hindus'

New Delhi, Feb 11: Post criticism from certain Hindu groups and a court-backed settlement with these groups, the renowned Penguin publishers has decided not to sell any copy of Wendy Doniger's

'The Hindus' in India. While some of the copies have been recalled, the others have been destroyed.

However, the contents of the agreement that the publishing house signed with the "Shiksha Bachao Andolan" in a Delhi court has drawn the ire of book lovers. In fact, the contents have been leaked in social media.

Stating that "it respects all religions in the world", Penguin publishers promised to withdraw all the copies of the book within 6 months and stop selling, publishing or distributing the copies of the book in India.

Described as a "vivid interpretation of Hinduism", the book has been criticized as "hallow, distorted, non-serious presentation of Hinduism that is filled with "heresies" and has been written with a "Christian missionary zeal". The author has also been accused of making false assumptions and demonising the Hindu belief and faith.

However, intellectuals believe that the publishers should have fought back. Historian Ramachandra Guha tweeted, "This is deeply disappointing. Penguin should have appealed in a higher court."

The Shiksha Bachao Andolan had had taken the issue to the court in 2011, arguing that the book insults Indians, especially Hindus, and is full of factual errors, according to a report by NDTV.com.

OneIndia news