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Page last edited on 13 April, 2003
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Hinduism vs. Hindutva
By P.R. Ram. This extract is from chapter 3 ('Hindutva
Movement') of the book 'Fascism of the Sangh Parivar' published by EKTA
(Committee for Communal Amity), 1999.
Hinduism
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Hindutva
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| 1. A collation of multiple traditions:
Brahminism - Shramanism Tantra, Kabir and Tukaram, etc |
1. Politics of Hindu Elite, drawing from
Brahminical Hinduism |
| 2. Brahminism: Caste sytem, the Dominant ethos |
2. Brew of Brahminical Hinduism and Nationalism |
| 3. Brahminism projected as the Hinduism
initially in 6-10 century, then in early 19th century, Brahminical
Hinduism projected to be synonymous with Hinduism. |
3. Aims at Hindu Rashtra (Nation) based on
Brahminical Hinduism |
| 4. Shramanic traditions: Constant rebellion:
attempt to escape the clutches of Brahminism: Conversion to Buddhism
(early times And now after the lead given by Ambedkar).
Vivekananda said: Why amongst the poor are so many Mohammedans..., to
Escape the tyranny of the Zamindar and the priests. |
4. Led initially by Brahmins: Banias: even now
dominant Leadership From upper castes. |
| 5. 'Dharma' (Religion) is a mix of Humanism and
caste based religious duties. |
5. Political expression through sangh parivar
now, earlier Hindu mahasabha and RSS. |
| 6. Semitisation process being spearheaded by SP
Holy deity: Ram, Holy Book: Gita, clergy: Shankaracharyas, etc/ |
6. A mix of fundamentalism and Fasicm (see
table) |
| 7. Its proponents claim it to be tolerant and
catholic. cf: earlier it's attitude to shudras, cf: Now its attitude to
muslims. |
7. VHP bring in the stink of fundamentalism in
the essentially fascist politics of RSS, BJP and Bajrangdal. |
Note: VHP (Vishwa Hindu Parishad - World Hindu Council), BJP (Bharatiya
Janata Party - India's Peoples Party), Bajrangdal, etc are wings of the Sangh
Parivar (Family of Organisations), the parent organisation being RSS (Rashtriya
Swayamsevak sangh - National Volunteer Organisation). |
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