Hinduism in the Post-Cold War Era: Learning from Other Religions

Samuel Huntington's works, such as Clash of Civilizations and Who Are We?, highlight the significance of identity in global politics. Two concepts—substance and salience—are critical for understanding religious and cultural identities.

Substance and Salience in Global Context

Hinduism, as a polytheistic religion, shares similarities with Roman and Greek mythology, but it also includes theology, making it unique in its broad range of worship methods and acceptance of diverse beliefs. The liberal nature of Hinduism allows for a variety of practices, including atheism, agnosticism, and bhakti, making it one of the most diverse religions. Unlike Abrahamic religions, which emphasize one god, one book, and one leader, Hinduism offers a more flexible framework that accommodates different schools of thought.

Identity in Hinduism: The Lacking of Substance and Salience

The lack of a strong, unified identity within Hinduism has led to division, particularly through the caste system. Unlike Abrahamic religions, which have a clear ideological, political, and religious identity, Hinduism, especially in India, struggles with developing these aspects. This absence of substance and salience has led to issues such as:

Caste Dominance: Caste systems divide rather than unite Hindus, focusing more on social status than religious unity. Political Fragmentation: Hindus often vote based on political and secular factors rather than religious ones, leading to a lack of coherent religious affiliation. Lack of Solidarity: While other religious communities, like Muslims, have a strong sense of global solidarity, Hindus tend to have a more fragmented approach to their identity. Misuse of Secularism: The term "secularism" in India is often used in a way that silences religious identity, weakening the cohesiveness of Hindu communities.

The historical context further compounds these issues. For instance, Hindu kings often aligned with Turanian powers against common enemies, whereas Muslims maintained a consistent and hostile stance towards Hindu rulers.

The Need for Hindutva

Hindutva, or the politicization of Hindu dharma, is seen as a necessary step to address these challenges. Hindutva aims to:

Define Substance and Salience: To strengthen the identity of Hindus and differentiate them from other religious groups. Defend Against Hinduphobic Forces: In both India and Western nations, where Hinduism is often portrayed negatively in academia, media, and political circles. Promote Indigenous Faiths: Support other dharmic faiths like Sikhism, Buddhism, and Jainism through state support.

Strategies for Strengthening Hindu Identity

To strengthen Hindu identity, several steps can be taken:

Education: Encourage a deeper understanding of Hindu history, philosophy, and religion. This includes studying true nature of the Muslim population and their stance on issues. Political Involvement: Support Hindutva-parties like the BJP, ensuring they are held accountable and that Hindus actively participate in political discourse. Religious Unity: Utilize temple resources for education and support, ensuring that Hindu institutions are not shaped by outsiders. Dealin with Diversity: Embrace diversity while recognizing the importance of preserving the Hindu majority in both demographic and intellectual terms.

The key to preserving and strengthening Hindu identity lies in fostering a sense of cohesiveness, unity, and collective action. By focusing on substance and salience, Hinduism can better compete in the global arena and protect its unique heritage.