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The real spirit of Vedanta and Islam transcends the narrow
sectarian contours. Muslim rulers and the Hindutva ideologues
have been exploiting the masses for their personal gains in the
name of religion. The basic logic of the Hindutva ideology is
that Aryans were the original inhabitants of India. Beyond 2000
B.C. they were nomads. They might have settled down in the Indus
valley. The Aryans’ settlement stems from race (Aryans),
culture (Brahmanical), language (Sanskrit) and territory
(India). Religion and culture are two catalytic pillars on which
the Hindutva edifice is built. Archaeological excavations give
evidence of Shramanic religious tradition, which is different
from the Vedic tradition. The indigenous people of the South
have different culture and language. They might have been pushed
to the South.
In the present
political scene, the Hindutva ideology has grabbed a large
socio-political space by whipping up mass hysteria around
religious sentiment. The ideology is bound to be communal if
language, religion and race are its determining factors.
On the contrary,
liberal democracy is based on equality of opportunity. Hindus
are in majority in India. They will dominate the political
scenario. The author is of the view that communal politics has
serious repercussions that challenge the democratic principles
and values. Hence, Hindutva is anathema to the spirit of the
Indian Constitution. Hindutva politics aims at creating a Hindu rashtra,
which is inimical to the secular democratic values. Communal
politics chokes freedom and equality, and dissipates social
harmony in the composite culture of India.
It has been
projected that Muslims were invaders and Hindus were the
original inhabitants of India. This colonial theory was
introduced to lord over other religious communities. There is no
conclusive evidence and argument that the Aryans were indigenous
inhabitants of India. It was the Europeans who invented it to
drive a wedge between the communities. It served them as the
basis for "divide and rule." The elite Brahmanical
class politicised it to gain advantage over minority
communities.
The question
becomes redundant whether the Aryans were indigenous people or
came from Central Asia. The fathers of the Indian Constitution
were aware of the problem. They accepted them as the permanent
citizens of India and were granted equal opportunities. The past
is dead. We should live in the present with open minds and
liberal attitude towards others. The distinct identities of the
minorities should be recognised lest they develop a sense of
alienation. It will checkmate the antagonistic forces and
promote inter-community bonds to usher in communal harmony.
The theologians
and the clergy often distort spirit of religion, and the
politicians exploit it for personal gains. They invent myths
that are drawn from history and different walks of life. The
book has tried to prove that. Facts of history have been made
myths of. In the times of crisis they exploit the situation to
assault the "other" community. Both communities should
see reason and accept the golden maxim, "live and let
live". All communities can retain their distinct religious
identities and can live in harmony.
The Introduction
refers to the demolition of Babri Masjid (1992), communal riots,
the Godhra carnage (2002), and other frenzied controversies.
Politicians and the fanatics are indulging in politics of the
sacred. The author argues that the elite Hindu class wants to
communalise society and religion is being used as a catalytic
tool for legitimising their standpoint. The author has traced
communal politics from the 19th century on, when the
industrialisation of India began.
It will be
pertinent to point out that the book is meant for the general
readers who are interested in day-to-day politics. The serious
researcher can get inspiration from it.
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