Hindu Renaissance

Question 1

Give three points to the background of the hindu Renaissance

Answer 1

1. From the 1500s, India was subject to foreign rule, from Muslims and then from the British empire. 2. Before foreign influence, there was no idea of Hinduism as a set religion. When foreign rule was imposed, all groups who were not Jain, Muslim or Sikh were grouped under the umbrella term Hindu. 3. Various hindu practices such as sati were seen as primitive and unethical by the British.

Question 2

What was the hindu Renaissance?

Answer 2

The British empire needed a class of Indians who were educated and middle class for administrative duties, these men were educated at British universities and became aware of the negative British attitude to various hindu practices. With this in mind, they aimed to reform Hinduism to make it acceptable to the west.

Question 3

What was neo Vedanta?

Answer 3

An inclusive stance seeing Hinduism as a world religion.

Question 4

What is Hindutva?

Answer 4

Exclusivist and at times violent, sees Hinduism as a social and racial group.

Question 5

Give five features of Vedanta

Answer 5

1. God is transcendent and unknowable, so all religions are true. 2. Concern with social issues like caste and sati. 3. Philosophical, intellectual, emotional and mystical. 4. Findings of science correlate with the teachings of the vedas. 5. Hinduism is monotheistic, rational and ethical.

Question 6

Give four features of Hindutva

Answer 6

1. Hinduness, not well known in the west, but influential in India. 2. Came from a backlash o western culture. 3. Wants a return to the vedantic past, with society running in accordance with VAD. 4. Want to replace the secular government with a hindu state of Hindustan.

Question 7

What type of state is india?

Answer 7

Secular, it has no official religion and is home to many faiths. Hindutva believes India should be hindu.

Question 8

Why does Hindutva want a hindu state?

Answer 8

1. Christians and Muslims have undermined Hinduism and aggressively tried to convert Hindus. 2. There have been violent clashes between Muslims and Hindutva. 3. They campaign for Dalit rights to get Dalits to convert back.

Question 9

What are the roles of the RSS and VHP?

Answer 9

1. Volunteer movements that claim to defend the rights of Hindus. 2. Sponsor schools and charity work. 3. Have been accused of stirring up riots/violence.

Question 10

What is the BJP?

Answer 10

Hindutva political party, they want to establish a national hindu identity. Current government in india.