Реферат: Hindu Revival Essay Research Paper Hindu revivalism

Hindu Revival Essay, Research Paper

Hindu revivalism remains a growing force in India today. It is also a concern

among the millions of displaced Hindus scattered around the world. Its roots lie

in the belief that Hinduism is an endangered lifestyle. This notion is fuelled

by the political assertiveness of minority groups, efforts to convert Hindus to

other faiths, suspicions that the political authorities are sympathetic to

minority groups and the belief that foreign political and religious ideologies

are destroying the Hindu community. Every morning at sunrise, groups of men in

military-style uniforms gather together before saffron coloured flags, in all

parts of India, to participate in a common set of rituals, physical exercises

and lessons. For one hour each day, they are taught to think of themselves as a

family with a mission to transform Hindu society. (Andersen and Damle 1) They

are the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the largest and most influential

organization in India committed to Hindu revivalism. The RSS or National

Volunteer Organization, is perhaps the most interesting of any of India’s social

movements. The growth of the RSS provides a detailed illustration of India?s

changing face. The purpose of this paper is to provide the reader with an early

twentieth century view of an organization that emerged out of frustrations among

India?s Hindu revivalists. These revivalists were discontent with the work of

nationalists in politics, and determined to unify the Hindus of India against

the ?alien? threats within the nation. The origins of nationalist movements

in nineteenth century India can be traced to the expansion of Western, English

education. Those attracted to the new education came primarily from high caste

Hindu groups. Many of the proponents of social, political and religious reform

among Hindus were drawn from this English educated class. Until very late in the

nineteenth century, most politically articulate Indians were willing to

collaborate with the colonial administration. However, a shift from

collaboration to criticism began in the latter part of the nineteenth century.

Two broad movements emerged among Hindus seeking to define their national

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