Understanding Hindutva: A Misunderstood Concept Explained

Hindutva: A Misunderstood Concept Explained

Introduction

Hindutva, a term often uttered, sometimes bandied about, but rarely truly understood, is an evolving concept within the Indian context. This essay aims to elucidate the essence of Hindutva by dispelling misconceptions and shedding light on its core principles.

The Myths and Reality of Indian Muslim Treatment

The current discourse often portrays India as a place of severe discrimination against Muslims. However, a closer inspection reveals a nuanced reality where the condition of Muslims in India markedly contrasts with that of their counterparts in Islamic-majority countries. Here, we explore the factors contributing to this misconception and delve into the core tenets of Hindutva, evolving from a simple phrase into a profound cultural concept.

Cultural Contrasts Within India

India, a land of rich multicultural heritage, maintains a delicate balance between its historical traditions and contemporary practices. Muslims in India are often observed to prioritize religious politics over business, although this is a generalization. It is noteworthy that if a person chooses to leave a strict interpretation of Islam, as seen in Saudi Arabia, they are more inclined to integrate into the Indian social fabric.

The integration of minorities within Indian society is evident in the example of minority groups such as Parsis, Jains, and Sikhs. These communities have historically faced less conversion pressure and coexist with mainstream communities, highlighting the open attitude of India towards religious diversity.

Globally Shared Conflicts

The Hindu-Muslim conflict is not unique to India; similar conflicts exist worldwide. In the West, Christians face conflicts with Muslims; in the Middle East, Jews grapple with Muslims; in Afghanistan, it is Hindus vs. Muslims; and in Myanmar, Sikhs and Buddhists face challenges. This widespread nature of the conflicts is often attributed to the imperial nature of the religion of Islam, which propagates the belief that there is no other true God except Allah.

Islam's rapid spread across the globe is not based on reasoned persuasion but is often attributed to jihad, warfare, and conquest. Historical instances where countries abandoned their pre-Islamic religions and converted en masse to Islam highlight the forceful nature of religious conversion in Islamic history.

Core Principles of Hindutva

Hindutva, simply put, means core-Indianness. It encapsulates the essence of living on and respecting Indian soil as one's home. The term 'Hindu' is used here to represent a broad spectrum of indigenous communities who share similar cultural and religious practices. Hindutva is not about religion but about a deep connection to the land and the cultural heritage that is rooted in the Indian subcontinent.

Communities such as the Parsis and Jews, despite not originating from India, have also been integrated into the Hindutva concept because they have embraced Indian culture and values. This is similar to how other religious minorities who embrace Indian culture are considered core-Indians.

Pillage of Civilizations and Spread of Islam

The spread of Islam has led to the destruction of several ancient, diverse civilizations such as the Egyptian, Persian, Indus Valley, Mesopotamian, African, and ancient Meccan societies. These civilizations were often put to the dust by Islamic expansions, which relied more on force and conquest rather than peaceful coexistence or reasoned persuasion.

Religious Monotheism and its Cultural Impact

Islam's belief in monotheism, or the worship of only one God, underscores a belief that people of other religions are infidels or kafirs. This has led to significant cultural and social conflicts. In contrast, Hinduism, with its polytheistic nature, believes in the coexistence of multiple deities. This difference in worldview has often manifested in various conflicts, particularly when Muslims and Christians prioritize their religious identity over national loyalty.

Such conflicts can be observed in various regions, including Afghanistan, where the conflict between Hindus, Buddhists, and Sikhs on one side and Muslims on the other is driven by religious divisions. Similarly, in Spain, the reversion to Christianity from Islam by converting the masses occurred due to the efforts of Christian patriots.

Hindutva and Cultural Integration

Hindutva is more about fostering cultural integration and mutual respect rather than promoting a particular religion. The concept honors individuals who integrate themselves fully into Indian society and embrace the core values, irrespective of their religious or historical origins. This is demonstrated in the acceptance of Jews and Parsis, who, despite not being originally from India, have been woven into the cultural tapestry.

Hindutva embraces the cultural practices of India, such as respecting animals and maintaining a peaceful way of life. This is notably contrasted with the cultural practices of some hardliner Muslims, which may not align with Indian values.

Conclusion

Hindutva is not a call for hate, but a call for cultural cohesion and integration. The core idea is to prioritize homeland over religious affiliation, celebrating the diversity that enriches the Indian subcontinent. The term is not about discriminating against Muslims or any other community but about maintaining a balance between religious tolerance and cultural identity.

This explanation aims to provide a clear and unbiased understanding of Hindutva, highlighting the principles and concepts behind this deeply rooted cultural phenomenon.