India or Bharat and Hinduism, a religion or a culture?

“Traditional living had been an anchor, keeping our boat in safe harbour. Now that the anchor had gone and the boat is at the mercy of wild waves on a stormy ocean.”

Recently, sharp debates and discussions are going on in Indian political circle, over the following issues. Some leaders have raised their voice on issues like –

1. What is the need of having many names for India? Does Modi Government intend to change the name of the nation from India to Bharat?
2. Is Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma entitled to be called a religion? Because it is discriminatory in nature and against the principle of Equality and Social Justice.

Both these issues are intertwined. The seeds of these controversies were sown much earlier, and now they have blossomed in full.

Why these controversies? – At present, a “Rat-race” is going on between different political parties, keeping in view the coming elections of Parliament and state legislatures. The purpose is to grab political power and get full control over the treasury of the nation, by hook or crook, to gain maximum political milage in coming elections, and rule the nation for next five years. All the parties are all out to avail maximum advantage of the popularity, India has received recently, within the nation and abroad, from the successful operation of Summit G20, landing the space-rocket on moon, and other developments happening in the spheres of technology and infra-structural sector of the nation.

All the problem starts with the formation of anti-Modi Morcha, naming itself I.N.D.I.A. (Indian, National Developmental Inclusive Alliance), just before the G20 Summit and the upcoming general election for the parliament and state assemblies in 2024.

Leaders of Opposition parties question Modi government why the nameplate read Bharat instead of India, when PM Narendra Modi addressed Global leaders during G20 Summit. Or Why was President of Bharat printed on invitation cards of foreign delegates? Why was ‘Bharat, The Mother of Democracy’ printed on G20 booklet presented to foreign delegates? Does Modi-Government intend to change the official name of the nation, from India to Bharat? Now, sharp debates and discussions are going on over these issues.

It seems by changing its name from UPA to INDIA, opposition parties hoped that whenever there would be any talk about India, within the nation or abroad, or while casting their votes, I.N.D.I.A., their alliance, would remain foremost in people’s minds and they could gain politically the maximum during the coming elections. The hope that credit of recent developments would automatically go to I.N.D.I.A., gets belied. Anti-Modi Morcha now fears that if officially or otherwise, name “Bharat” becomes more popular, they won’t be able to get full advantage of changing the name of the alliance from UPA to I.N.D.I.A.

Being so, Opposition Parties started criticizing that Modi Government has highlighted the name ‘Bharat’, because it wants to change the official name of the nation, from India or to Bharat in near future. Some political leaders have even launched an attack on Hinduism and its Sanatan Dharma, saying that Hinduism and its Sanatan Dharma (religion) of discriminatory and against the principles of equality and social justice. It is anti-Dalits and pro-Brahmin religion.  It is not a religion at all, but a disease like Dengue, Malaria and Corona. Therefore, Hinduism and its Sanatan Dharma should be abolished. It has sparked discussions and debates now in the political circle all-over India.

In reply, Party in power defends government stand by saying that the main purpose of summit G20 summit, 2023 has been to acquaint invitee countries about the indigenous culture of India and spread the messages of “Vasudaiva-Kutumbkam”, “One Earth and one family” and “One Family and One Future” all-over the world. These phrases have been drawn from the text of ancient scriptures of India.

Before forming any opinion on these issues, first of all, it is necessary to know

1. What India is? And
2. What term, religion, means?

What India is?  – Sub-continent India is a wonderful country. It is in the Southern part of Asian Continent. Himalayas separates India from Europe. From one side, it shares land borders with seven countries Pakistan, Afghanistan, China, Nepal, Bhutan, Myanmar and Bangladesh. And on other three sides, there is Bay of Bengal in East, Arabian sea in West, and Indian Ocean in the South. Geographically, India has Himalayan mountains, Indo-Gangetic lowland and Peninsular plateau. All these areas have different climatess, different quantity of rainfall, different quality of soil, different kinds of vegetation, crops and minerals.  Therefore, the people living in different parts of the country differ from each other in their needs, way of living, eating habits etc.

From ancient times, India had established commercial contacts with China, Southeast Asia, West Asia and Roman Empire. It has resulted in the spread of Indian culture, religion, languages, art and architecture abroad.

Indian civilization, one of the earliest civilizations of the world, initially emerged in Indus Valley region. It started around 3300 BCE. India as a nation, has got its name from Indus-river itself. During ancient times, the region beyond Indus-river was called India. It was originally the home of an indigenous tribe called Bharat.

What is the meaning of Religion? – Worry ends, when faith begins for humans. Religion as the belief in a supernatural power that organizes and animates the universe has always been an important part of human ethos. Faith in any religion is a very personal thing.

The ‘Religion’ term originating from the Latin word ‘Relgio’ means ‘restraint’ or ‘bind-together’. It means reverence to God or Gods, careful pondering of divine things, piety.  It is an organized system of beliefs and practices leading to a transcendent spiritual experience. (Religion in ancient world, World History Encyclopedia).

Purpose of religion – In modern World, there are there are several religions, religious bodies and faiths groups (about 4,000 recognized faiths) around the globe. All religions value of selfless service and devotion.  Main purpose of ‘Religion’ is to serve several functions for the society. It is –

• To give meaning and purpose to life,
• To reinforce social unity and stability.
• To control social behavior.
• To promote physical and psychological well-being, and
• To motivate people to work for positive social change.

Major religions of the world – There are 12 major religious groups all-over the world. Out of them, World-over, 75% of people follow one of the five Faiths, Christianity, Islam, Hinduism, Buddhism and Judaism.  At present, Hinduism (15%) is said to be the oldest religion. It is also the third largest religion (15.2) of the world after Christianity (Christianity 33%) and Islam (24.1%).

Christianity – Earlier, Ancient Europe like elsewhere was also polytheistic. It believed in worshipping multiple gods and goddesses. It included virtually all religions other than Judaism, Christianity and Islam, which share a common tradition of monotheism, the belief in one God. South-Eastern European nations, Ancient Greece and Ancient Rome, had a very rich collection of the literature, philosophy ideologies including knowledge about “Faith”. These two nations are generally considered to be the birthplaces of Western civilization. Ancient Greece had big influence on Rome due to its impact on philosophy, democracy, science, aesthetics as well as architecture and town planning.

After the death and resurrection of Jesus, Christianity first emerged as a sect of Judaism as practiced in the Roman Province of Judea. The first Christians were all Jews. After AD 380, Christian religion became the predominant religion in Western Europe guiding the course of philosophy, art and science. It saw huge advances in areas like philosophy, medicine, mathematics and urban design.

Europe during medieval period – During medieval times, started the gradual decline of the rich culture and science, philosophy and knowledge of ancient Greece and Rome, because of continuous barbarian invasions, Black death, feudalism and people’s concern for the barest essentials of life. This was the Dark Age for Europe.

Harsh working conditions, cruel child labor, dirty living conditions, long working hours prevailed in Pre-Renaissance European society. Catholic Church became the pivotal force, which dominated the lives of all, Europe Royal Houses, nobility and working class. It demanded people’s unwavering faith in the norms set by the Church.

Renaissance Movement in Europe (between 14th and 17th centuries) – Dark Period was followed by Renaissance movement. Beginning of Renaissance movement marks the transition of the whole world from Middle Ages to Modern Period. It was the beginning of Industrial Revolution. Historical period of Renaissance movement is also called as ‘the Age of Reason and enlightenment’.  This period is famous in history, because it has drastically changed socio-cultural norms, attitudes and practices of European world. Industrial revolution profoundly affected European intellectual life. It has laid foundations of technological innovations, urbanization, scientific discoveries and literature etc. for coming centuries.

The sincere knowledge seekers of European nations did not care for their own comfort inconveniences, and faced all the challenges. They worked hard and sacrificed their time and energy for about two centuries energy to lay the foundation of a modern world based on observation and rationality as well as future development of science and technology. Invention of printing, being one of them, that has helped in the dissemination of ideas from 15th century onwards.

Influence of these developments has been felt everywhere, in literature, philosophy, art, music, politics, science, religion, and other aspects of intellectual inquiry.

The term “Religion” for adhering any faith, itself, originated in Europe during renaissance movement. After renaissance movement, the term religion is being used for organized set of religious beliefs. People increasingly began to see world rationally from a human-centered perspective. They used the term ‘religion’ to distinguish worldly things from religion, spirituality and morality. They fixed the domain of the church. Religion was separated from state business. Idea of secularism emerged, meaning that there should be non-interference in the functioning of any religion by the state.

Islam – Like Christianity, Islam is also a monolithic religion. The start of Islam religion is marked in the year 610, following the first revelation to Prophet Mohammad, last in the line of Judeo-Christian Prophets (ca. 570-632). His followers spread the teachings of Islam throughout the Arabian-peninsula. At present, adherents of Islam constitute the world’s second largest religious group. As of 2010, there are 49 countries, in which Muslims comprise more than 50% of population. Studies of 21^st century suggest that Islam is now the fastest growing major religion in the world.   

Vedic Sanatan Dharma also known as Hinduism – India presents one of the oldest living civilization and culture of the world with a very long, continuous and uninterrupted History, which is intact even today. India has taken thousands of years to grow in its present form.

Hinduism, earlier known as Sanatan Dharma, is generally believed to be the world’s oldest religion and was founded more than 4,000 years ago. Also, it presents one of the continuous, and uninterrupted living cultures and civilizations in the world. Unlike Christianity or Judaism. Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma is compilation of several belief systems. As such, sometimes it is referred the ‘family of religions’ because of its accommodating nature.

The religion of India is Vedic religion, also known as Hinduism. Around 1500 BCE, many social groups, known as Aryans migrated in waves from the region of present-day Iran and entered into Indus valley, located in modern day Pakistan. Their culture and language merged with the natives of that region and gave birth to the Vedic religion. It gradually evolved into Hinduism between the 6th and 2nd centuries BCE. Vedas became the most sacred literature of Hinduism.

More than anywhere else, Hinduism holds multitude of thoughts, processes them and practices them. There is co-existence of various beliefs and thoughts.

Assaults on Hinduism – During the course of its long jouney, Hinduism has to face many assaults, like –

During Medieval times – With the downfall of Gupta Empire, (known as times of ‘Golden age’ of Hinduism) (320-650 CE) and collapse of Harsha Empire, power became decentralized in India. Several kingdoms emerged and began several invasions during Medieval Period. Continuous invasions of Turks, Afghans, and Mughals (of Gajini and others between 998-1030 AD, establishment of Slave Dynasty 1206-1290, Khilji Dynasty 1290-1320, Tuglak Dynasty 1320-1412 and Mughals rule, Sayyad Dynasty 1414-51, Lodi Dynasty 1451-1526, and Mughals rule from 1526 to 1757 have continuously pressurized Hindus and their religion. Excesses of the rulers throughout turned Hindu society to look inwards and save their identity, values and Dharma. It led them to follow their traditions, rules and rituals strictly, rigidly and blindly.[i]. Gradually, it gave birth to many social evils like superstitions, Sati-Pratha, dowry system, Purdah system, feudalistic attitude extravagance, Band luxurious life-style. Disparity between rulers and ruled increased.

Attack on Hinduism during colonialism – Then came the British Imperial rule. During British rule, two aspects of Hinduism had received a good deal of the attention of rulers.

• Caste system and
• Reluctance of Vedic Dharma to convert people of other religions, on the ground that all religions are valid.

British rulers and missionary schools condemned the caste system, and they enthusiastically applauded the reluctance of Hinduism to convert people of other faiths.

Through modern education system, British succeeded in disassociating Indians from their traditional way of living, classical roots and knowledge. They launched an ideological attack on Hindu practices labelling them as ‘discriminatory’, ‘iniquitous’, ‘exploitative’, ‘oppressive’, ‘barbarous’, ‘uncivilized’, ‘highly stratified’ and ‘responsible for all social evils’, ‘feudalistic attitude’, ‘backward thinking’, ‘whimsical concept of purity and pollution’ and ‘belief in dogmas and superstitions sustained by a unique set of rituals.

Criticism of Hinduism by India leaders before Independence – Criticism of Hinduism and its value system by Westerners has led many prominent political leaders like Mahatma Phule, Ambedkar or Gopal Ganesh, to lose their faith in Hinduism and its value system. They criticized Hinduism for its being based on caste system. According to them Hinduism encourages Brahmans with the help of religion, and treats lower strata of society as lesser human beings, subjugates lower castes, engages them in forced labor, unsavory jobs, imposes many restrictions on them, preventing them from joining the mainstream of the nation.

Recent attack on Hinduism – Recently, some Indian political leaders of leftist parties have launched an attack on the nature of Hinduism and its Sanatan Dharma describing its nature as discriminatory. So much and so that one of them compared it with ‘Dengue and Malaria’, while another said, that Hinduism and its Sanatan Dharma is not a religion in true sense. It is discriminatory in nature. It is anti-Dalit and pro-Brahmin religion. Therefore, it should be abolished. Such comments have sparked hot discussions and debates all-over India.

The fact that there were times in the past, when after such attacks, Hinduism has become weak for some time. But every time it remerged and whenever it re-emerged, it re-emerged with greater force. Hindu Sanatan Dharma never needs foreign help to rejuvenate itself. It has developed in such a way that it can look inwards and improve upon itself. Most of the times, the Indian society has been able to develop “an attitude of reconciliation rather than refutation, cooperation rather than confrontation and co-existence rather than mutual annihilation.”[i]

Why confusion about Hinduism now? – Bitter criticism about Hinduism has been started after the Colonization under the influence of British rulers. The root cause of such a confusion or criticism about Hindus’ Sanatan Dharma in present days’ political circle is because they translate Sanskrit word ‘Dharma’ literally as Religion. In fact, calling Hinduism merely a religion, is a very narrow understanding of Sanatan Dharma.

Unlike Christianity or Judaism, Hinduism or Sanatan Dharma is compilation of several belief systems. As such, sometimes it is referred to as the ‘family of religion’. Because of its accommodating nature, Sanatan Dharma has come up to the present generation in an unbroken chain of succession, with some adaptions and modifications. At present, there are many religions, faiths, religious groups in India. Followers of all the 12 major religions live here.

Brief history of India – 5000 years old history of India is as following –

Hinduism, not merely religion – In fact, Sanatan Dharma of Hindus is not merely a religion in narrow sense of the term.  It is much more than that. Many scholars, philosophers and jurists have repeatedly said that the Sanskrit term ‘Dharma’ is not translatable in English. Words like law, righteousness, ethics, morality all together are not enough to give Justice to the meaning of Dharma. The principle of Dharma embraces within itself “religion”, “law”, “duty”, “righteousness”, “morality”, and “conformity with truth”. Along with its being a “religious idea”, Dharma is also a “principle” and a “vision” of an organic society, in which all participating members are independent, yet their role complimentary. It is a collection of traditions, personal experiences, way of living, religious practices and culture of many migrating social groups earlier from land route and later from sea-route. It is one of the most scientific ideologies ever developed anywhere in the world. It is an ideology also, a collection of Philosophy, a culture and way of living to lead a quality of life.

Evolution of Sanatan Dharma – Sanatan Dharma of Hindus has come into existence much before the term ‘religion’, itself, was coined. The narrow meaning of Dharma, in its present form, was non-existent existent at the time, when Upanishads (Vedic Text, which contains some of the central religious concepts of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism) were composed.

Sanatan Dharma or Vedic Religion, is the religion of majority of people, living in India. It is the oldest, continuous and uninterrupted religion, a culture and civilization of the world. Principles of Hindu Sanatan Dharma are as relevant today as it were earlier.

Sanatan Dharma has come into existence around 3300-1300 BCE on Indo-Gangetic plains (in northern parts of India) and matured by 2600-1900 BCE. It has been spread and flourished throughout India during 1500 BC and 500 BC and gradually spread all-over South-east Asia, China, Korea and Japan. Vedic Hindu Dharma has taken centuries to develop. Many knowledgeable persons contributed to its growth from time to time after doing through research work and analysing rationally their personal experience. Hindu culture has entered the modern era without any cultural break.

As India passed through various phases in the past, each and every incoming social group has left its influence on the indigenous culture of Sindh Valley. Multi ethnic migrant groups and tribes came to ancient India in waves. In due course of time, they were assimilated in indigenous Hindu society as its integral parts by giving each one of them a distinct caste name. Hinduism allowed them to follow their faith, beliefs, customs, traditions and way of living, which are intact even today. 

The blending up of incoming social communities with original Dharma of the land has developed into Hinduism or Vedic Sanatan Dharma. It has come down to the present generation in an unbroken chain of succession, with some modifications and adaptions.

Sanatan Dharma, most scientific Ideology – Sanatan Dharma (eternal values) in its purest form is one of the most scientific ideologies, ever developed anywhere in the world. It is a magnificent example of scientific division and orderly arrangements of rules, in different branches of human knowledge, in a few words. It covers almost all aspects of human life, be it spiritual, phonetics, literature, arts, medicine, polity, or metrics. Its principles speak of everything, on staying healthy, positive thinking, improving concentration, moral behavior or following path of righteousness. Its rituals are techniques for leading a harmonious life. It is as relevant even today as were in the past.

The sacred knowledge of Vedic Hindu Philosophy has been handed down from times immemorial, by ancient sages, Rishies and Munies to succeeding generations, through verbal transmission. Later on, in written form. 

Foundation pillars of Hinduism – The foundation pillars, which has kept unity and continuity intact are:

Principles of Varna, Dharma and Karma – Together, the principles of Varna, Dharma and Karma have enabled people to lead a quality of life and ensured continuity despite several invasions, migrations and assimilation of a large number of multi ethnic social groups from different parts of the world.

Principle of Varna has given to Indian society, a stable, sustainable social structure, which distributes and organizes performance of various functions, doctrine of Dharma defines duties and vocations of different sections of society on the basis of attitude and aptitude, ensure social harmony and prevent rivalries, competitions and jealousies. Doctrine of Karma prevents cut throat competition by making the inequalities tolerable for an average person.

Spirit of Tolerance – Spirit of tolerance and firm belief in “Live and let others live” or “Vasudhaiva-Kutumbkam” have always been the part of Indian ethos. Tolerance is most evident in the field of religion. Vedas does not prescribe any final absolutes. Even Vedas are not the end for quest of Truth and knowledge. It is a constant non-ending process.

Vedic belief in an all-pervading omnipresent God, multiplicity of God and Goddesses as representing some portion of infinite aspect of the Supreme Being, inspired Hindus to accommodate people of other faiths. Vedic culture concedes validity to all the religions and does not lay strictures against any faith. That is why all the twelve major religions are present and flourishing in India without any restriction.

Tolerance is not confined to religion alone. It is seen everywhere in Indian way of life. Even today, people tolerate the Vote bank politics, which has polarized Indian society on the basis of caste and community, criminalization of politics, corruption, scams and scandals and inefficiency in administrative work or poor law and order situation without much protest.

 Simple and compact life-package of Sanatan Dharma – Simple and compact life-package of Sanatan Dharma nurtures the nature. After a deep study of natural instincts, inherent attributes, natural behavioural pattern of human beings and their basic physical, mental, and spiritual needs, at different stages of life, Sanatan Dharma has developed a simple compact life package in conformity with the forces of nature. It is as relevant at present as it was earlier, in the past. It is applicable to all for all time to come, irrespective of Varna, caste, creed or region. According to it, following are different stages in human life –

• Pre-Ashram stage (Infancy and Childhood) – At this stage, society through family contributes.  individual remains neutral. Task of the family is to lay the foundation of developing the personality of a child (say ipto 5 years) with love and care.
• Stage I, Brahmcharya Ashram (Stage of Learning for an individual) – At this stage, Society is the giver, and individual is recipient. It is a period of strict discipline. Purposeis learning and acquisition of knowledge. For mental and physical discipline Yoga and knowledge play an important role.
• Stage II, Grahasthashram – At this stage, Society is the recipient, individual make contribution. Individual is trustee and Manager of social estate. Individual has direct contact with society and makes direct contribution to society consistent with the dictates of his own knowledge and conscience. the real ground to utilize one’s intellectual and physical capabilities. To indulge one-self in economic activities in order to fulfil one’s dreams and ambitions, to keep direct contact with the society. This stage of life presents to individual opportunities to practice and cultivate all the three Dharmas – Artha, karma and Moh (fulfilment of duties and financial and material success and full enjoyment of life).
• Stage III, Vanaprastha Ashram – It advises a person to prepare himself for loosening earthly bonds. It advises him to achieve salvation through good deeds and social service. Task assigned to this group is teaching Dharma and extended care.
• Stage IV, Renunciation or Old age – It is a phase of resignation and renunciation. A person is completely free from any obligation. Realization of Dharma and wisdom is the aim. It advises individual to achieve complete detachment and lead a simple life.

Earlier, when human life was not so complicated and men were closer to nature, people could follow the Sanatan Dharma without much hassle.  But in modern times, life has become quite difficult, materialistic and complex. Moral values have been eroded. Now-a-days, most of the people are running blindly after money, power, position, name and fame.

Strength of Sanatan Dharma – The strength of Hinduism/Sanatan Dharma is proved by the majority of its followers in modern India. The strength of Hinduism/Sanatan Dharma is proved by the facts –

• Despite centuries of Mughal’s and British rule, over 75% of Indian population is Hindu,
• Had it become obsolete, it would have given place to other religions and culture, as has happened elsewhere in the world,
• Instead, it has influenced all other religions found in India.
• Not only within India, but principles of Hindu Philosophy have been a source of inspiration for the whole universe, spreading the message of developing peace, harmony, compassion and eternal values of Humanity. Scholars of many countries have learnt Sanskrit, interpreted its principles rationally and translated them in their own respective languages.

Don Martindale (1915-1985), leading American sociologist, a prominent scholar and teacher, has rightly said about Hinduism that it has “succeeded in doing in India, what no state, no conqueror and no economy was able to do, the establishment of a single unified system of society throughout the whole of India, a system of society, which was able to comprise a greater range of local differences in a single system than any society has previously accomplished.” (Don Martindale, India since 1947, p 39).

Following are the strengths of Hinduism and its principle of Varna, followed by the caste system –

• Sanatan Dharma nurtures the nature.
• Adopted the path of assimilation – The beauty of Sanatan Dharma of Hindus is that it has adopted the path of assimilation, instead of repulsing any trend vehemently or allowing others to sweep its established culture off its roots. It does not believe in conversion. It does not believe in converting people of other faiths or forcing its own beliefs, practices or customs on others. In the past, it has assimilated numerous social groups at their will, migrating from different parts of the world. Not only assimilated, but carefully nurtured and preserved the faith, culture and way of living of incoming social group, coming to its fold. It has given Hindu society, a syncretic character, a pluralistic tradition and an absorptive nature of internalizing alien influences. prescribes
• Neti-Neti – Hinduism believes that even Vedas are not the end. Creation and quest for knowledge is a constant process without any beginning or an end. It does not prescribe any final absolutes. Search of knowledge and truth is a never-ending process, “Neti-Neti”.
• Detachment – According to Bhagwat Gita, senses are superior to the body. Mind is superior to senses. Knowledge or intellect is still superior to the mind. Soul is above all. (BG3.42, Chapter 3, verse 42). There are two options before human beings, to develop positive mindset/intellect for taking right action, or have negative mindset, act with weak mind bridled with desire and based on emotion, impulse, hatred, greed and selfishness. Positive mind/intellect can be developed through meditation, practice and continue to do their duty without focussing on fruits of their actions. Renunciation of fruits of action automatically brings peace of mind and contentment.
• Gives importance to tolerance, Self-discipline, self-reliance and self-respect –Hinduism lays stress on tolerance, truth (Satyamev Jayte), Ahimsa (non-violence) and peace. In the past, when people were compelled to work under the threat of a whip, their intolerance led to bloody revolutions, especially in ancient Greece, Rome, or other European countries. However, tolerance of people has enabled Hinduism to survive in modern India as well, without any cultural break. It has prevented people from following the path of violence, and taught them to make efforts to adapt themselves with changing times.
• Concept of purity and impurity of Hinduism is based on considerations of self-discipline, self-restraint, hygiene and cleanliness. While ranking different varna or castes, Hinduism gives importance to standard of morality, knowledge and spirituality. Every section of society is advised to lead a self-restraint and self-disciplined life in all respect, be it in the matter of daily routine, occupation or inter caste relationship. The higher the caste within a Varna, the purer it is considered, and greater are the self-restrictions on its behavior through rituals. The system of each caste having a specific position in the society and a specific work to do with its rights and duties boosted the morale of the people and promoted social equilibrium and solidarity.
• Based on vision of organic society – Hinduism is based on the “vision” of an organic society. Society as an organic body needs services of all its constituents equally. It has assigned important social functions, needed for the growth of the whole society, to different sections of society on the basis of their attitude and aptitude. All the parts are equally important and indispensable, need equal attention for and care for balanced growth of the whole system. Coordinated functioning of all parts together keeps whole system fit and alive. The system has evolved its structures and systems leisurely and kept on coping with the slow changes, time brought in. Its character during Indus Valley Civilization was altogether different from what exists today. It is still in a transient phase. It is different in context of village, locality, region or religion.
• Inter-dependence in social life – Inter-dependence in social life and self-reliance in personal life are the intrinsic features of Hinduism, making each section of society self-sufficient and capable to fulfil all the needs of its members. Hindu festivals like Holi, Deepawali, or Dussehra inspire people to share moments of joy. 
• Caste system being used as a mechanism to assimilate new social groups – Don Martindale says, that through caste system, India has simultaneously accommodated “itself to an almost endlessly varied system of semi-autonomous community and at the same time bring considerable unity, harmony and condition of peace.” It “succeeded in wielding an enormously varied plurality of semi-autonomous communities arising at many times and in many places and adopting themselves to many different conditions into a single system of society…” Caste system has provided a mechanism, through which migrating new social groups could join the main-stream of the Hinduism in due course of time, without conversion. Each new incoming social group was assigned a separate caste name. This way, a large number of discrete tribes, various social groups and associations, have been internalized and preserved under one umbrella, i.e., Hinduism. Hinduism has not only accommodated and bound migrating groups into a single cultural system, but has given freedom to continue their faith, way of living and traditions.
• Not much disparity – Varna system, followed by Principles of Hinduism has been so conceived by the genius sages that there is hardly any room for any Varna to consider itself, as being placed in greater or lesser disadvantageous position with reference to another. The relative standing of four Varnas is more or less fixed. But Hinduism does not create any nationwide hierarchy of castes. No caste has ever taken an all-India character, before the Census operations started be British rulers. There is not much disparity between different castes or between urban and rural people. The tropical climate of the country compelled the people to the distribution of surplus, as it was difficult to store anything for long. The system has placed all the individuals, within a caste group, rich or poor, on the same footing. All members of a caste have similar rights and duties, similar thinking process, similar customs, language, food habits, domestic routine, and style of dress. Elders of different castes are responsible to maintain discipline and help weak, poor or helpless caste-fellows. Tropical climate of the country compelled the people to the distribution of surplus, as it was difficult to store anything for long.
• Ranking – Ranking of different sections of society or Varnas groups has been done according to nature and social relevance of their work, contribution of their work for social subsistence, and efforts required to perform their duties, and amount of self-restraint/self-discipline, they exercise, their relative purity, morality, knowledge and spiritual standards. Considerations of self-discipline, hygiene and cleanliness on the basis of climatic conditions of the region were also given importance, while ranking different castes. The concepts of forward castes or backward castes, disparities between different sections of society and exploitation of the weak were almost non-existent earlier.
• Acted as a shield – During medieval India, caste system was a major force for failure of Islam, Christianity and other religions to make headway even after mass conversion.
• Hinduism and its Sanatan Dharma, a classic example of Unity in Diversity – India comprises people of different ethnic, religious, castes, linguistic and regional identities. Despite of following diversities, different identities have been living together for centuries and present a mosaic culture. The diversity made the divide easy.  However, the forces of unity have always been stronger than the divisive forces. It is for this reason that India occupies a special place in the global society.
• Geographical Diversity – Geographically, India has Himalayan mountains, Indo-Gangetic lowland and Peninsular plateau. All these areas have different climate, different quantity of rainfall, different quality of soil, different kinds of vegetation, crops and minerals.  Therefore, the people living in different parts of the country differ from each other in their needs, way of living, eating habits etc.

• Ethnic Diversity – During its very long journey so far, India has assimilated different multi-ethnic communities into its mainstream. In the past, various multi-ethnic migrant groups came to India in waves from different parts of the world, settled down here, and finally, willingly merged into the mainstream of Bharat. Such as Negritos from Africa, Australoids considered to be the original builders of Indus Valley Civilization, Mongoloids coming from China, Mediterreans believed to be the bearers of the earliest form of Hinduism coming from Southwest Asia around 2000 BC, Amphizoids, Denaris, Arminids coming from South Europe, and Nordics etc. These identities lived together for centuries. India has never destroyed the faith, way of living or culture of incoming communities. Instead in due course of time, it assimilates them into the mainstream of Indian Society as its integral parts. Their assimilation in Hindu society resulted in –
• Linguistic Diversity.
• Occupational diversity and
• Cultural diversity.

• Cultural Diversity – India is a wonderful country. It is a classic example of Unity in Diversity.  The cultural diversity of India is based on –
• Demographic Diversity based on Principle of Varna followed by caste system.
• Religious diversity. 

Demographic Diversity based on Principle of Varna followed by caste system – Hinduism follows the Vedic Principle of Varna for stratifying Indian society followed by caste system unlike western societies. It has given a distinguished identity to Hindu society. Vedic principle of Varna has been conceptualized, originated and practiced in India. It has given a distinguished identity to Hindu society. It has classified Indian society on the basis of attitude, aptitude and occupation, into four groups. Varnas has always been four, Brahmins (intellectuals), Kshatriyas (warriors), Vaishyas, (business community) and Shudras (manual workers). It puts individuals in one of these groups on the basis of their attitude, aptitude and occupation.

Origin of Caste system – The number of these Varnas has always been four. As the number of various racial, tribal, occupational and various migrant social groups from different parts of the world, coming in waves in India, via land routes, increased, Varna system gave birth to Caste System. Numerous castes, sub-castes and sub-sub castes emerged within each Varna.

Perhaps, the first faint trace of caste is to be found in the careful cataloguing of traders and professions in later Vedic literature. Many traders were organized into guilds around 5^th century AD, in which, some authorities have seen the origin of commercial castes. These can be seen as the castes in making. Even up to 7^th century AD, people showed no clear knowledge of the existence of castes. Huan Tsang, in the Seventh century was well aware of the existence of Varna, but not of castes. Ever, the number of castes, at present is around 1100 + in India.

As the number of various racial, tribal, occupational and various migrant social groups from different parts of the world, coming in waves in India, via land routes, increased, Varna system gave birth to Caste System. Numerous castes, sub-castes and sub-sub castes emerged within each Varna.

In modern world, understanding of caste, element of caste has been high-lighted and mis-interpreted, and element of system has been considerably suppressed. Following are the strong points of caste system

Diversity based on religion – Assimilation of multi-ethnic communities and Sanatan Dharma’s nature of allowing them to preserve their distinct beliefs, dialects, values, customs, way of living and traditions has resulted in religious diversity. At present, more than anywhere else, Hinduism holds multitude of thoughts, processes them and practices them. There is co-existence of various beliefs and thoughts.

Main religious groups in India – Indian sub-continent holds a unique status in the world because of the diversity of its religious beliefs and practices. It is the birthplace of four major religions of the world, Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism. Main religious groups in India are –

Group	% of population in 2011	% of population in 1991
Hindus	79.8	81.53
Muslims	14.2	12.61
Christians	2.3	2.32
Sikhs	1.7	1.94
Buddhist	0.7	0.77
Other religions	–  –  –	0.38
Religion not stated	–	0.05

These religions can be grouped as –

1. Religions generated within the land of India, like Hinduism, Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism.
2. Religions of diverse migrating or foreign communities like Islam, Christianity, Zoroastrianism etc.

Out of them, Hindu’s, Mughals’ and Christian’s religions have received substantial state patronage for a sufficient long time.

Mosaic Culture of India – The composite culture of India has come up to the present generation in an unbroken chain of succession, with some adaptions and modifications. It grew out of influence, intermixing, refinement of ideologies of different religions. At present, there are many religions, faiths, religious groups in India. Followers of all the 12 major religions live here.

Each and every religion, existing in modern India has been immensely influenced by Vedic Sanatan Dharma. Sanatan Dharma has also absorbed good points of other faiths. Together, they have enriched the composite culture of India. Various existing religions in India and their influence on each other, are as follows –

Hinduism/Vedic Sanatan Dharma – Hinduism, also known as Sanatan Dharma or Vedic Religion, is the religion of majority of people, living in India. Principles of Hindu Sanatan Dharma are as relevant today as it were earlier. It is the oldest, continuous and uninterrupted religion, a culture and civilization of the world. It has come into existence much before the term ‘religion’, itself, was coined. The narrow meaning of Dharma, in its present form, was non-existent existent at the time, when Upanishads (Vedic Text, which contains some of the central religious concepts of Hinduism, Buddhism and Jainism) were composed.

Vedic Sanatan Dharma is the religion of majority of Indians. It could well be called a natural response of many small and primitive social groups of people, who were forced by the circumstances to come to terms with a more civilized, advanced and well-organized social system of Indus Valley civilization, every respect, be it its social structure, philosophy, way of living or culture. Scholars regard Vedic culture as a fusion or synthesis of four major denominations of Hinduism (Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Shaktism and Sanatan tradition) with various Indian cultures, (having diverse roots and no specific founder).

Buddhism and Jainism – Buddhism and Jainism, the two earliest unorthodox religions were emerged in Indian soil, but after Vedic culture, with certain basic differences. These religions influence the thought, moral and life style of Indian people.  Buddhism attracted equally the elite as well as the lower strata of Hindu society.  The main contribution of Buddhism to Indian culture is an attempt to draw the attention of people towards the harsher effects of the caste system, sympathetic attitude towards lesser human beings and system of organized education.  Major contribution of Jainism is the principle of non-violence.

Dravidian culture – The culture of South is greatly influenced by Hinduism. After the sudden disappearance of Indus valley culture, Dravidian culture flourished in South under the rule of Cholas, Pallavs, Satavahanas, Chalukyas, Rashrakutas, Kakatiyas, Hoysalas beyond Vindhya Hills in the Southern part of India. Its most characteristic features have been its town planning, advanced social system, industry and trade. Hinduism was the state religion of most of the South Indian Kingdoms earlier. Hindhus, in South India, are followers of various Hindu Branches like Vaishnavism, Shaivism, Brahmanism, and others. South India is famous for many greatest Hindu temples, built in South India during Ancient and Medieval India.

Islamic culture – After the tenth century, under Muslim rule, Islam has influenced the Indian culture substantially. Its influence could be seen in the rejection of elaborate rituals and caste pretensions. It has preached a simple path of faith, devotion, brotherly love and fellowship.  With the growing political strength of Muslims, the need for mutual understanding and communal harmony gave rise to Sufi tradition of Islam and Bhakti movement of Hindus. Both these emphasized the need for mutual appreciation, tolerance and goodwill.  Like Buddhism, Islam also provided an alternative to people, wishing to opt out the caste system.

British Culture – Eighteenth century onwards, the British culture influenced the Indian way of life substantially both positively and negatively. Access to modern education, Western literature and philosophy has given Indians understanding of liberal and humanitarian ideas of the West. It produced many great leaders like Dadabhai Naoroji, Ferozeshah Mehta, Gokhale, Gandhi, Jinnah, Ambedkar, Tilak, Lala Lajpat Rai, Moti Lal Nehru, Jawahar Lal Nehru, Subhash Chandra Bose, Patel and many more.

Missionaries converted many people from the lower strata in to Christianity.  British rulers divided the Indian population on the basis of religion and caste. British rulers have given to India many democratic institutions like Parliament, bureaucracy, concepts like rule of law, unified nationality, a common currency, a common Judiciary etc. They started industrialization in India. They have also given impetus to social progress and brought many reforms.

A section of educated Indian society has been so much impressed by the alien culture that it developed a complex about the primitiveness of Indian society, and tried to improve the mindset of Indian society with the help of British rulers and Christian missionaries.

Many Reformers and religious organizations advised people to revive their own rich ancient culture and not to be swayed away by the glamour and materialism of western culture. Amongst them were most prominent were Arya Samaj, founded by Swami Dayanand, Prarthana Sabha, Rama Krishna Mission, founded by Swami Vivekanand to reveal to the world Indian Philosophy and culture. Reformers and National leaders welcomed the rationality and other good features of Modern English culture, but wished to remain firmly rooted to the Indian Culture.  They advised people to eradicate social evils like Sati, Polygamy, child marriage, un-touchablity and many superstitions prevalent at that time without foreign intervention.  Emphasis was laid on education and science.  Brahma Samaj, founded by Raja Ram Mohan Roy in 1928, inspired the people of Bengal, UP, Punjab, Madras and other provinces, to form similar organizations and interpret religion rationally. They talked about the superiority of Hindu Vedic culture and gave the call for ‘Go Back to Vedas’, as Vedas were to them the source of all knowledge and truth.

The wonderful process of assimilation and fusion of all these religions and cultures has been a continuous process of the India civilization.  Initially, blending up with original Indus Valley Dharma with Aryans’ developed Hinduism or Vedic Sanatan Dharma. It has come down to the present generation in an unbroken chain of succession, with some modifications and adaptions. Then a major cultural synthesis took place during 6th and 10th century, between Vedic Hindu culture, Buddhism and Dravidian culture.  Another assimilation was seen after the 10th century, when the thinking of Arabs, Turks and Afghan, mainly guided by reason, influenced Indian thought. Sufi and Bhakti movements are examples of this. These two sects taught the people to love and respect all human beings irrespective of caste or creed. These also brought changes in the nature of mutual understanding, communal amity and accommodation.  Once again, during the period between 18th century to 20th century, a major cultural synthesis took place with modernization and industrialization ushered in by the British.  All the sects present in India, whether foreign or indigenous, have been influenced greatly by Hindu thinking, practices and systems.  It contributed to the cultural richness of India.  Such flexibility is not seen in the West.  When Christianity broke away from Judaism, it departed totally from the common cultural traditions. The present crisis between the followers of Judaism, Christianity, and Islam Middle East in Israel and its neighboring countries is a burning example of religious intolerance.

How can it be expected that the Western world and their followers, who are deeply influenced by their ideologies can understand and appreciate Sanatan Dharma of Hindus.

Westernization of Indian society? – Ever since 1990s, the influence of advanced Western nations, on Indian people especially the youth is continuously increasing. It has impacted the life-style, ideas, and culture of Indians both in positive and negative ways. Modern educated Indians are deeply influenced by industrial, technological, economic progress of Western nations, as well as their music, food habits, language law. They appreciate law-and-order situation, job-opportunities for talented youth and work-culture that prevail in advanced Western countries. They prefer to go abroad, to greener pastures and get settled there. Those, who live within India celebrate with more enthusiasm western festivals like Valentine-day or Halloween etc.

Why Western World Mystified? – Western world and followers of Western way of life are mystified by the amazing pluralities and unique social structure of India based on caste. Because –

• Basis of stratification – While in Western world, usually anthropologists, historians and sociologists identify ‘class’, as universal basis of stratification of Western societies, Indian society stratifies Indian society into 4 Varnas, followed by caste system, on the basis of attitude and aptitude.
• Practiced exclusively in India – Stratification on the caste/Varna system has been conceptualized, originated and practiced exclusively in India. It has given a distinguished identity to Indian society.
• Power and social status associated with wealth – In materialistic Western societies, wealth has always been associated with power, authority and social status. In India, its Caste system has separated wealth from status, power from authority, pursuit and achievement in knowledge from temptations of worldly comforts.
• Ranking – Ranking of different social groups is done on the basis knowledge, discipline and moral standards, and not on the basis of material success, or control of power.
• Stress on duties rather than rights – Whereas, Western cultures have grown around the idea of `Rights‘,  Hinduism give more importance to “duty, tolerance and sacrifice”. Emphasis on duty usually makes a person or a group humble and tolerant. Its helps people to adjust themselves, without much difficulty, to most drastic changes. India has even, achieved its freedom in a peaceful manner under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi.
• No conversion – Unlike Christianity or Islam, Hinduism has made new groups its integral part without any conversion and brought them under one umbrella without annihilating their own faith.

India with History of “NO BLOODY REVOLTION” – While in the past, intolerance of people led to bloody revolutions elsewhere in the world, India kept on adapting itself to changing times. Whereas in the past, other nations had passed through many bloody revolutions like in ancient Greece, Rome or other European countries, and made people to work under the threat of a whip, tolerance in India had prevented people from doing that.  It is because of India’s effort to continuously Internalize the changes and spirit of adapting itself to the changing times, India has entered the modern era without any cultural break.

Conclusion – Traditional living has been an anchor, which has kept the boat of Indian society in safe harbour. Now that the anchor has gone and the boat is at the mercy of wild waves on a stormy ocean. 

As Karl Marx remarked that British, “had a double mission in India, one destructive, the other regenerating; the annihilation of the old Asiatic Society and laying the material foundation of Western Society in Asia.” The regenerating character was concerned with social transformation through modern education, English language as a medium of learning and official language, modernization in economic sphere, political unification of the country and laying foundations for many democratic institutions. The reactionary and destructive character was seen in political, economic and social sphere. (Dutt RP, India Today, p476).  Polarization of Indian society on the basis of caste and religion has a close connection with these developments. 

Throughout 20th century, Reformers and many religious organizations like Arya Samaj, Brahmo-Samaj etc., have criticized the mumbo-jumbo of rituals and superstitions created by some selfish people to entangle the ignorant and poor masses. They laid emphasis on interpreting Vedas in a rational and scientific way. They should try to make religion, again, a bedrock of the value-system. Swami Vivekanand, Swami Dayanand Sarswati (founder of Arya Samaj in  gave a call to Indians ‘go back to Vedas’, and not to be swayed away by Western culture. People should know about their cultural heritage and try to revive, what is good in it. Religion in its pure sense does not lead to discrimination. It does not teach people to hate or divide mankind. People should make sincere efforts to establish a social order based on Vedic teachings and practices. They explained that –

• Knowledge alone is the key to truth.
• Vedas has been conceived through intellectual contemplation and empirical observation and Upanishads (speculative interpretation of Vedas or Mythology) are the creation of human imagination.
• Their rationality is in conformity with the laws of nature.
• No one belongs to any social group because of birth. It is inter-changeable and depends on one’s thoughts and deeds.
• True religion does not discriminate mankind in terms of race, colour, nationality, caste or gender.
• The most noble task of every individual is to work for the enlightenment and uplift the weaker persons.
• The markings of Indian culture are simplicity and solidity.

All over the world, many systems, institutions, structures, principles, and cultures have been evolved from time to time, which created a wave, sweeping entire world with it for some time. But soon, they have become redundant or obsolete. They have been replaced by anti-waves, which have wiped off previous influences. But this saying does not apply to Sanatan Dharma of Hindus. Every time, when it has become weak especially during alien rule, it re-emerged and re-emerged with greater force/strength. C. Rajagopalachari comments “If there is honesty in India today, any hospitality, any charity – any aversion to evil, any love to be good, it is due to whatever remains of the old faith and the old culture”.

Change one must with changing times. Past should not be idolized. Anything, which in light of modern times appears to be ineffective or inefficient should be replaced by a better one. But it will be suicidal to sacrifice something to an increasing passion for change. Changes must be based on constant interpretation of past experiences and opinions.

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[i]  Khan, Democracy in India, pp 4-5.