In the bustling city of Mumbai, the name Juhu is synonymous with affluence and luxury. Not far from the celebrated bungalow of Bollywood icon Amitabh Bachchan lies an even grander property known as “Nirant.” With sprawling lawns covering around 3 acres, Nirant is an exquisite example of luxury, standing out even in a posh area like Juhu Tara Road. Yet, this mansion doesn’t belong to a superstar or industrial magnate. It’s owned by Teesta Javed Setalvad, a social worker known for her activism and foreign funding, especially from 2004 to 2012. This raises an intriguing question: what sort of social work warrants such opulence?
The Setalvad family’s legacy, however, extends beyond recent history. Teesta’s great-grandfather, Harilal Chimanlal Setalvad, served on the controversial Hunter Commission, which infamously exonerated General Reginald Dyer following the Jallianwala Bagh massacre. Harilal’s son, Motilal Chimanlal Setalvad—Teesta’s grandfather—played a part in absolving Dyer of responsibility in the same case, a decision that has remained contentious. After independence, Jawaharlal Nehru appointed Motilal as India’s first Attorney General, a role that further underscored Nehru’s alleged British sympathies.
The Thapar family, similarly, has connections rooted in colonial allegiance. Diwan Bahadur Kunj Bihari Thapar, Karan Thapar’s great-grandfather, displayed staunch loyalty to the British by organizing a substantial fund in support of General Dyer, even honoring him with a ceremonial kirpan and turban. This loyalty to British authority extended through generations. The Thapar family gained considerable wealth during World War I, assisting the British in military supply contracts.
Adding to this narrative is the Golden Temple incident, where Dyer was honored under the influence of the influential Sujan Singh and Shobha Singh. These figures played a significant role in the construction projects when the British moved their capital from Calcutta to Delhi. Shobha Singh’s son, Khushwant Singh, a well-known writer and Indira Gandhi supporter, defended the controversial Emergency in his writings. His son, Rahul Singh, continues to showcase support for figures like Teesta Setalvad and Arundhati Roy, often in media outlets.
The Thapar family’s influence extends into the military and academia. Pran Nath Thapar, Karan Thapar’s father, was the Indian Army Chief during the 1962 Sino-Indian War, a conflict that ended in India’s defeat. It’s worth noting that his appointment followed Nehru’s intervention, as General KS Thimmaiah had initially recommended Lt. Gen. SPP Thorat as his successor. This change, attributed to Nehru, was another act viewed as showing allegiance to British-educated elites.
Adding another layer to this narrative is Romila Thapar, renowned historian and Pran Nath Thapar’s niece. Under Nehru’s guidance, she authored school history textbooks that omitted certain sensitive historical details, such as Pran Nath Thapar’s role in the 1962 war. These omissions and narratives shaped the understanding of India’s history for generations, subtly guiding public perception of these influential families.
The deep-rooted influence of such elite families—some of whom built fortunes through colonial connections and British allegiance—continues to affect India’s social and political landscape today. These families have not only shaped history textbooks but have also been instrumental in setting narratives that affect national identity, often from a privileged, anti-nationalist perspective. They appear as champions of progressive ideals, yet their backgrounds reveal a legacy closely aligned with British interests and colonial influence.
In conclusion, these elite families wield a complex legacy, one that intertwines with India’s past and influences its present discourse. Through media, academia, and political connections, they remain prominent voices in shaping India’s self-perception. Yet, understanding the motivations and historical backgrounds of these figures may be key to questioning their perspectives and considering a more holistic view of India’s evolving identity.
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