Trendy Acquisitions, Marxist Readings and Hinduism: A Review of The Seductions of Karl Marx by Jal Murzban

Abstract

The Seductions of Karl Marx1 examines the historic and humanist traditions of Marxism. The book focuses mainly on India and the rise of Hindutva politics. Based on European Enlightenment and Kantian rationality, Murzban argues for European-model secularism in India. The book is critical of religions and represents them as non-functional in modern times. Overall, The Seductions of Karl Marx examines Hindu communalism but fails to accept the affirmative role of religion in South Asian social history. The application of classical Marxism complicates the examination of Indian cultural history, and diverts social realities and philosophic traditions into blurred representations. The book brings into focus the historical development of Hindutva politics in India but overlooks the question of Hinduism, the rights of Hindus and their culture. Murzban's failure to recognize these elements while using Western theories to examine Indian realities points out the lack of vision in Indian social science in recognizing the traditional ethos. For instance, scholars of history would agree that Hegelian concepts of non-European and non-German civilizations were hegemonic and blind acceptance of these theoretical categories can produce culturally incomprehensible understandings. In contrast, Murzban follows the Hegelian reading of Indian metaphysics and labels them insignificant. For instance, the book revered by Hindus, the Bhagavat Gita, is examined from purely Hegelian notions of civilization, without recognizing Gita's philosophical contributions to Indian philosophy and society. Undoubtedly, Murzban's attempt is to examine social systems of caste and Brahmanic hegemony from a historical and cultural perspective, but overall the book neglects the values of ancient Hindu texts and their importance in social and individual progress. This means that caste, religion, philosophy and tolerance are products of complex mechanisms and we need more sophisticated theoretical frameworks and inclusiveness to interpret the history of Indian philosophy, society and culture. Communalism is the product of many social, cultural, economic and political factors, but the affirmative use of religious teachings can act as a mechanism against bigotry, fanaticism and intolerance. 1Jal Murzban, The Seductions of Karl Marx (New Delhi: Aakar Books, 2010).