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Query: Is Hindu Nationalism "Semiticization"?

I posted this once before but it hasn't appered on this news group, so I'm
posting it again in case it was lost on the I-way>)

Namaste,

   I am a graduate student at the University of Texas at Austin.  I am
doing a research project of the personal philosophy behind the rise of
what is often called Hindu Nationalism or Hindu Fundamentalism. 

   I am interviewing several Hindustanis here in Austin you are big
supporters of BJP, Hinduttva, etc.  I am interested in their philosophical
outlook concerning Hindu Nationalism.  I hesitate to call it Hindu
Fundamentalism, for obvious reasons.  

   When speaking with one of my informants, I asked him if this new type
of Hinduism wasn't a form of "Semiticization of Hinduism."  He responded
that it is better to co-opt a little bit and survive than to die a
glorious death.  He also said that the Semiticization paradigm was false. 
"There are plenty of models within Hindu scriptures (i.e. Maha Bharata,
etc.) that extol direct action.  Ahimsa is not the only path.  Dharm Yudh
is also part of Hinduism."

      I was concerned that Ram, the favorite deity of my beloved Guru,
Neem Karoli Baba, was being used as a source rallying Hindus to violence
and communalism:  the "Raam Naam Uber Alles" syndrome.  I did notice when
I was in India a few years ago that there were Hanuman Temples springing
up eveyrwhere.  Hanuman has definitely become a favorite in North India.
Naturally, he always was popular, "jai Bajarangi!"  but, is his popularity
due in part to his role as the standard bearer,the victorious messenger of
Ram? This is particularly relevant since there are temples going up
everywhere to Him!  Of course, I love Hanuman (Sankata Mochana/ Kripa
Nirdan) and it is a pleasure to see Him honored, however, I am wondering
if this proliferation of Hanuman Mandirs is not some how related to the
Ramjanam Bhumi/BJP situation.  Do you think this rapid rise of Hanuman's
popularity is an expression of "right-wing" Hinduism.  This questoin about
Hanuman is a bit off the exact topic that I wish to address but it is an
interesting aside.

     One of the most intriguing concepts is the idea about the
"Semiticization of Hinduism." 1000 years of Islam, 300+ years of Christian
missionaries, 100+ years of western style modernity/modernism,
secular-democratic government, these variables have definitely placed
their mark on Hinduism's outward expressions.  How has Hinduism,  which is
renowned for its resiliency, responded to these pressures?  How has it
changed through the centuries in order to adapt and survive?  Is Hindu
Nationalism the logical outgrowth?  What do you think about the usurping
of Ram Nam for political purposes?  

Can anyone suggest some articles on this broad topic?  If so, can you send
them to me via email
                     y.r.rani@mail.utexas.edu

If you have other articles that you want to send me via snail mail, please
contact me on the email and I will send you my postal address. (I'm
reluctant to post my address on the internet.  THANKS!!!)

     Though background reading is imperative,I am more interested in
getting personal perspectives on this topic.  I don't want to write
another intellectual, text-based report.  I would like to gather  personal
feedback from Hindus on this subject.  Most of the scholarly work on this
topic, is secular and constrained within the politically correct
parameters of the Academy.   I want to offer the persepctives of those
Hindus who adhere to this style of politicized Hinduism.  What shall we
call it?  Neo-Hinduism?  This is not a new concept since Hinduism has
eternally renewed itself.  Some feedback would be most appreciated.

     As a long-time Indo-phile and traveller in India, I can understand
the rage of some Hindus.  So many temples were destroyed by Muslims and
the mark of their destruction is written everywhere they went.  From
Lumbini to Bodh Gaya to Nalanda to Benares to Mathura to Udaipur, all the
Pujaris and Chowkidars will tell you why the statues have no arms and no
faces- "Mussalmanon."  The resentment is deep and has been for centuries. 
But, why suddenly, after so many decades of democratic cohabitation, has
this mass political movement against Muslims arisen with such coordinated
force?  I realize that there was the RSS early on in the nationalist
picture and that there has long been communal violence but it seems more
focused and political now.   I am planning to read several books given to
me by my informant.  Two books by Conrad Elst-  "Negation in India-
Concealing the Record of Islam" and "Ayodhya and After- Issues Before
Hindu Society."  I also have a book by M. Anwar Khan, "The Charlatans of
the Two Nations Theory."  

    Most of the work that has been done by scholars on Ayodhya and the
BJP, etc. has been of the politically correct, secular school.  I want to
use my informants to speak with the voice  of the Hindu Nationalists.  I
don't even know if Hindu Nationalist is the right term.  I guess it
depends on your perspective.  I am depending (in part) on the Hindus who
read the posts on this newswatcher list to respond to this query and
please give me your opinions and feed back.  Certainly I know that the
majority of Hindus are not members of the BJP, but I think even some of
the more moderate and Nehru style "secular" Hindus have some opinions
about the whole matter and have been influenced by the nationalist
rhetoric.

     I sincerely look forward to hearing from those of you who may be
interested in sharing your insights and opinions and thereby helping me
draw an ethnographic type picture of the feelings of Hindus on this very
touchy subject.

Sasneha,

-- 
"THE SPIRIT OF DEMOCRACRAY IS THAT SPIRIT WHICH IS NOT TOO SURE                 
         IT IS ALWAYS RIGHT."  -Justice Learned Hand 
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