Understanding the Question: Scholar's View on Indian Society

The question asks to identify the first scholar who characterized Indian society using the specific and critical phrase "deaf and dumb and stagnant". This is a notable statement found in historical interpretations of India by Western thinkers.

Analyzing the Options and Identifying the Scholar

Let's look at the scholars provided in the options:

• Karl Marx: Marx extensively wrote about India, particularly during the British colonial period, discussing its economic structure and the impact of British rule. While critical of certain aspects, the phrase "deaf and dumb and stagnant" is not primarily attributed to him in this context, although he did describe India's village communities as 'stagnatory' or 'undeluvian'.
• Marc Bloch: A renowned French historian, co-founder of the Annales School, known for his work on medieval European history and historical methodology. His focus was not primarily on characterizing Indian society in this manner.
• A. L. Basham: A prominent historian and indologist known for his comprehensive and influential work on ancient Indian culture and civilization, "The Wonder That Was India". His approach was generally appreciative and scholarly, not characterized by such dismissive language.
• G. W. F. Hegel: A highly influential German philosopher. In his lectures on the Philosophy of History, Hegel discussed various civilizations as stages in the development of the World Spirit. He characterized India in a way that reflects the description in the question, viewing it as lacking true historical development or change according to his criteria.

Based on historical accounts of Western philosophical and historical views on India, the phrase "deaf and dumb and stagnant" is most famously associated with G. W. F. Hegel's analysis of Indian society in his work, particularly his "Lectures on the Philosophy of History." Hegel viewed Indian civilization as stuck in a timeless, ahistorical state, lacking the internal dynamics and consciousness necessary for true historical progress as he defined it.

Explanation of Hegel's View on Indian Society

G. W. F. Hegel, in his philosophical system, saw history as the progression of the spirit towards self-consciousness and freedom. He examined various civilizations, including those in the East, as part of this global historical process. However, he often placed them in earlier, less developed stages compared to Western, particularly European, civilization.

Regarding India, Hegel perceived a deep religiosity and philosophical depth but saw it as lacking a unified state, individual freedom, and a sense of historical progress. He believed that Indian society was bound by tradition and religious dogma, preventing it from developing historically and politically in the same way as Western societies. This perspective led him to characterize India as unchanging, without a conscious historical narrative or active participation in the forward movement of history, hence the description "deaf and dumb and stagnant."

Conclusion on the Scholar's Identity

Therefore, G. W. F. Hegel is the scholar credited with first using the specific phrase "deaf and dumb and stagnant" to describe Indian society from his philosophical perspective on history.

Revision Table: Key Points on Hegel and Indian Society

Additional Information: Critiques of Hegel's View on Indian Society

Hegel's characterization of Indian society, like his views on other non-European civilizations, is often criticized today. Critics argue that his view was Eurocentric, imposing a Western model of historical development onto diverse cultures. They point out that Indian history is rich with change, dynamic empires, social and religious movements, and significant intellectual achievements, contradicting the idea of it being "stagnant." Modern scholarship emphasizes understanding societies within their own contexts rather than through a universal, predetermined path of historical progress.