The Hindu Renaissance Flashcards
Give three points about the background to the Hindu renaissance
- From the 1500s, India was subject to foreign rule, first from Muslims, then from the British empire. 2. Before foreign interference, there was no idea of Hinduism as a set religion, when foreigners imposed their rule upon India, they grouped those who were not muslim, Christian, Jain or Sikh under the umbrella term Hindu. 3. Various Hindu practices such as sati and the caste system were seen as primitive and unethical by the British.
What actually was the hindu renaissance?
The British empire came to India and needed a class of Indians who were educated and middle class. This group grew, with more being educated at British universities. These men became aware of the British attitude to traditional Hindu practices. With this in mind, they aimed to reform Hinduism to make it acceptable to the west.
What is Neo Vedanta?
An inclusive stance which sees Hinduism as a world religion.
What is Hindutva?
It sees Hindus as a social and racial group, it is exclusivist and at times violent.
Give five features of Vedanta
- All religions are seen as true, god is transcendent and unknowable. 2. It is concerned with social issues such as caste and sati. 3. It is philosophical and intellectual, as well as emotional and mystical. 4. The findings of science correlate with the teachings of the Hindu mystics in the Vedas. 5. Hinduism is monotheistic, rational and ethical.
Give five features of Hindutva
- ‘Hinduness’, not well known in the west, but influential in India. 2. It came about owing to a backlash against western culture. 3. It wants a return to a vedantic past where society was run according to the VAD. 4. They want to replace secular government with a Hindu state of Hindustan.
As what type of state does India exist?
A secular state with no official religion, it is home to many varied faiths. This is opposed by Hindutva groups who believe India should be Hindu.
Why does Hindutva argue for a Hindu state?
- They claim that Christians and Muslims have undermined Hinduism and aggression tried to convert Hindus. 2. There have been violent clashes between Muslims and Hindutva groups. 3. They campaign for the rights of Dalits in a bid to get Dalits to convert back to Hinduism.
What are the roles of the RSS and VHP?
- Volunteer movements that claim to defend the rights of Hindus. 2. They sponsor schools and charity work. 3. They have been accused of stirring up riots and violence.
What is the BJP?
A Hindutva political party who want to establish a national Hindu identity, they formed a coalition government 1996-2004 but have never ruled alone.
