Reform Movements

Question 1

Explain what Neo Vedanta is + the characteristics

Answer 1

• Means end/goal, name given to Hindu branch of thought that tries to find true meaning of the Vedas
• Sees all religions as true, they all lead to God
• Sees God as transcendent and unknowable & that all murtis are merely aspects of that one God
• Very concerned with social issues + against sati + child marriage + parts or all of caste system
• Does not reject modern science
• Influenced feminist movement in India
  -Shows Hinduism as monist/monotheistic, rational, ethical, equal/superior to Christianity

Question 2

Explain what Hindutva is + the characteristics

Answer 2

• Translates as Hinduness
• Not well known/understood in West, influential in India
• Came about as a backlash against Western imperialism
• Want to return to Vedic past
• Want to replace secular governments with a Hindu state of Hindustan that doesn’t include other religious groups
• Aggressive exclusivism
• Campaigned for social justice of Dalits
• Important groups Rashtrya Svayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Visha Hindu Parishad (VHP): sponsor schools & hospitals + charity work but accused of inter-communal riots & violence