Hinduism Identity, And Communal Hindu Identity

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Communal Hindu identity is a modern phenomenon. Prior to the colonial era, India displayed greater religious fluidity and pluralism on the popular level. But, as a result of the colonial encounter, Indians were increasingly forced to think along religious and communal lines. The structure of society had been reshaped on the basis of religious community. As the world progressed into modernity, Hinduism (a variety of independent traditions) had to redefine itself. The assertion of a unified and centralized Hindu identity had to subsume the rich and diverse Indic traditions under a larger umbrella category. At the same time, reform movements attempted to restructure orthodox Hinduism separate from more obscene traditions encompassed by this broad …show more content…

Therefore, the umbrella term of Hinduism is often seen as a recent invention. The individual traditions of Hinduism have a rich history, but they never felt the need of creating an overarching label that encompassed the wide array of traditions. Resulting from the environment of colonial India, religious movements rose up in order to define Hinduism and modernize the various traditions. The reality of this broad categorization gave rise to competing visions for defining …show more content…

Vivekananda preached of an inclusive Hinduism where all paths are included within the Hindu fold, since there is ultimately one higher truth. He expresses an inclusivist form of religiosity by saying that “Religion is not in doctrines…it is in being and becoming.” Vivekananda had a modern outlook on the idea of religion in which there was religious tolerance, freedom, and acceptance. He argues for the preservation of religious identity and against the conversion out of a religious community. Vivekanada states how “The Christian is not to become a Hindu or Buddhist [and vice versa]…each must assimilate the spirit of the others and yet preserve his individuality.” Even though he preaches that each individual should preserve their individuality, Vivekananda places emphasis on staying within the folds of the religious community an individual is born into. Another interpretation of his statement could be that each religious community should preserve its own separate and individualistic character instead of blending elements (he could have been referring to religious fluidity on the local

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