Hindutva and Arya Samaj in India

 

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The relationship between Hindutva and Arya Samaj is complex, with both movements contributing to the shaping of Hindu identity and nationalism in India, albeit with distinct approaches.

Origins and Core Tenets:

Arya Samaj:

 * Origins: Founded in 1875 by Dayananda Saraswati in Bombay (now Mumbai), the Arya Samaj emerged as a Hindu reform movement during a period of significant social and cultural challenges posed by British colonialism and Christian missionary activities.

 * Core Tenets: Dayananda Saraswati advocated a return to the “pure” and original teachings of the Vedas, rejecting later accretions, rituals, idol worship, the caste system based on birth, child marriage, and other practices he deemed corrupt. He emphasized monotheism, the infallibility of the Vedas, karma, and samsara. The movement also championed women’s education, widow remarriage, and actively engaged in social reform and humanitarian services. The Arya Samaj was notable for being one of the first Hindu organizations to engage in proselytization (Shuddhi movement) to convert non-Hindus, particularly those who had converted to Islam or Christianity, back to Hinduism.

Hindutva:

 * Origins: The term “Hindutva” was coined and popularized by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his 1923 booklet “Essentials of Hindutva.” It emerged in the early 20^th century, particularly in the context of growing Hindu-Muslim tensions and the Indian independence movement.

 * Core Tenets: Hindutva is primarily a political ideology that defines the cultural identity of India in terms of Hinduism and seeks to establish India as an overtly Hindu nation-state. Savarkar, an atheist, initially defined Hindutva as a “Hinduness” shaped by India’s indigenous history, geography, politics, and culture, distinct from Hinduism as a religion. It emphasizes a shared ancestry and culture rooted in the land of India. Over time, it drew influence from European ethnonationalism, with an emphasis on race, religion, culture, and language. Key organizations propagating Hindutva include the Hindu Mahasabha and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS).

Relationship and Overlap:

While distinct, there’s an undeniable relationship:

 * Reform vs. Nationalism: Arya Samaj was fundamentally a socio-religious reform movement aiming to purify Hinduism, while Hindutva is a political ideology focused on Hindu nationalism and cultural assertion.

 * Shared Emphasis on Vedic Heritage: Both movements placed a significant emphasis on the Vedas as a foundational text for Hindu identity, though the Arya Samaj’s interpretation was often more literal and reformist, rejecting many post-Vedic traditions embraced by mainstream Hinduism.

 * Contribution to Hindu Identity: The Arya Samaj, through its reformist efforts and its Shuddhi movement, contributed to a re-awakening of Hindu identity and a sense of pride, which arguably laid some groundwork for later Hindu nationalist movements like Hindutva. Some scholars argue that the Arya Samaj “laid ground for the later Hindu nationalism represented by the Hindu Mahasabha, V.D. Savarkar, and the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh.”

 * Points of Divergence: Arya Samaj rejects idol worship, the concept of avatars, and hereditary caste, focusing instead on Vedic rituals. Mainstream Hinduism, often associated with Hindutva, generally embraces idol worship, avatars, and a more traditional understanding of caste, though it has also undergone reform efforts.

Resurgence:

Arya Samaj:

·       The resurgence of Arya Samaj in the 19^th and early 20^th centuries was a direct response to British colonialism, Western influence, and perceived internal decay within Hindu society. It sought to modernize Hinduism, promote rational thinking, and foster a sense of pride in Indian traditions. Its emphasis on education, social equality, and women’s empowerment resonated with a section of the population.

Hindutva:

 * The resurgence of Hindutva, particularly in the late 20^th and 21^st centuries, is linked to several factors:

   * Post-Partition Tensions: The aftermath of India’s partition in 1947 fueled religious tensions and the desire for a strong Hindu identity.

   * Political Mobilization: The rise of political parties like the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) adopting Hindutva as their core ideology has been a major driver.

   * Communal Conflicts: Incidents of communal violence have often exacerbated religious polarization and strengthened Hindutva narratives.

   * Cultural Assertiveness: A desire to assert a distinct Hindu cultural identity in a globalized world.

   * Erosion of Secularism: Criticisms point to the BJP’s policies and rhetoric since 2014 as contributing to a shift towards Hindu nationalism, with perceived erosion of India’s secular foundations and increased targeting of religious minorities.

Future:

Arya Samaj:

·       While not as politically prominent as Hindutva, the Arya Samaj continues to be relevant as a socio-religious reform movement. Its principles of education, gender equality, and social justice continue to resonate. It aims to bridge tradition with modern life and provide solutions to contemporary challenges based on Vedic values. Its focus remains on spreading Vedic knowledge and working for social well-being.

Hindutva:

 * The future of Hindutva appears to be significant in contemporary Indian politics and society. The ideology has gained considerable traction, particularly with the continued electoral success of the BJP.

 * Continued Influence: Hindutva’s presence and power are widely acknowledged to be here to stay in India, influencing political, cultural, and social spheres.

 * Challenges to Secularism: Critics express concern that Hindutva’s agenda poses a threat to India’s secular foundations, potentially leading to increased majoritarianism, religious polarization, and a shift towards an overtly Hindu nationalist state where minorities might face challenges to their equal status.

 * Social and Political Impact: The trajectory of Hindutva will likely continue to shape India’s domestic policies, inter-community relations, and its international standing.

In essence, while the Arya Samaj was a reformist movement that contributed to a renewed sense of Hindu identity, Hindutva represents a more explicitly political and often exclusionary form of Hindu nationalism that has become a dominant force in modern India.