Hindu Society Research Articles

Conclusion: Embodying Holiness and Influencing Culture—Exploring the Contexts, Challenges, and Strategies of Female Religious Influencers in Hindu Society

We have reached the end of our journey concerning the study of holy women as “religious influencers” in Hindu culture [...]

Structural and Coherence Analysis Towards The Renunciation

While many researchers have paid attention to Rabindranath Tagore's poems, few have analyzed his short stories, still less on a specific story, like The Renunciation. The fiction critiques the caste system of Hinduism and portrays a unique female character. This paper proposes that structural and coherence analysis can assist in a better appreciation of the story. The disruption of the timeline emphasizes the importance of a series of events occurred in the past. Coherence relations within them are established and analyzed so that the caste system's role as the origin of perpetuating tragedy among Hindus is explicitly revealed. The blank in the timeline along with the nightingale which appears throughout the novel indicates the plight of women in Hindu society. Analyses in this paper provide argumentation for views proposed in previous studies, namely Tagore's firm stance against the caste system and his empathy for suffering women, from a new angle. It also demonstrates the feasibility of linguistic theories appliance to the field of literary criticism.

Balkrishna as a Hindu Reformist in Narayan Dhakal's Pretkalpa (The Age of the Dead): A Critique of New Traditionalism

This paper examines reformation in the Nepali society as represented in Narayan Dhakal's novel Pretkalpa (The Age of the Dead). The novel advocates social reform in the Hindu society as modernity in Nepal during the early decades of the twentieth century. The paper hinges on the following research questions: How are modernity and reformation connected? To what extent does social/religious reformation contribute to modernity? Under the influence of reformist ideas from Dayanand Saraswati's Satyārtha Prakāś (The Light of Truth), Balkrishna, the protagonist of Dhakal’s novel – a Kashi educated Brahmin pundit – leads a series of reformation initiatives to change discriminatory practices across the lines of caste, gender, and class. To examine his reformist initiatives based on the Vedic knowledge, this paper recontextualizes Subir Sinha et al.'s critique of the discourse of new traditionalism in relation to the politics of development and environmentalism in India. Threatened by the reformation efforts of Balkrishna, the state – under the leadership of Chandra Shamsher – does everything it can do to retain the orthodox Hinduism, casteism, and feudalism. Eventually, the feudal Rana system based on the practices like cākarī and caplusī (sycophancy and flattery) prevails, exposing the vulnerability of new traditionalism and thereby of the conservative modernity as well. Discussing modernity, reformation, and new traditionalism, and their connections between and among them to analyze the novel, the paper foregrounds new traditionalism as a significant concept to examine modernity in Nepal.

GANDHI AMBEDKAR DEBATE

The present paper intends to explore the divergent perspectives and paths of Mohandas Karamachand Gandhi and Dr B R Ambedkar on different socio-political issues of Indian Society. Before Independence, Outsiders (Aliens, British People) ruled India. Gandhi was afraid of our own people ruling like outsiders (alienation of administration) after Independence. However, in the light of the present context Gandhi's fear has come true. On the other side Dr. B R Ambedkar strongly believed in State power and a strong legal system. Catastrophically the dreams of Dr B R Ambedkar on social economic equality remains a myth. To understand the dynamics of two variant discourses of Gandhi and Dr B R Ambedkar and to follow both Gandhi and Ambedkar Principles are essential. Both ideas of Gandhi Ambedkar together bring a better order in India. People not only from the East but also from western world are inspired by Gandhian Principles of Truth and Non-Violence. The people of the world consider Ambedkar as an icon for Equality. Ideas of both Gandhi and Ambedkar could generate political consciousness among socially marginalized groups. Though both Gandhi and Ambedkar had different ideas and Concepts, and followed different paths both wanted to reform Indian society in general and Hindu Society in particular. Gandhi was influenced by Dr B R Ambedkar. At one point of time Gandhi wanted to fight for the cause of untouchables.

Uncovering Right-Wing Digital Enclaves and Reactionary Politics: A Feminist Multi-Method Examination of a Transplatform Campaign

ABSTRACT In October 2021, an advertisement for a fairness cream by the Indian company Dabur ignited a fierce controversy, unveiling deeply ingrained ideologies of lesbophobia, misogyny, colorism, casteism, and Hindu victimhood. The ad, featuring a lesbian couple performing the Hindu ritual of Karwa Chauth after using the skin whitening cream, sparked criticism for its attempt to integrate same-sex couples into mainstream Hindu society through skin tone modification and heteronormative religious rituals. This paper highlights a critical feminist approach to the use of data analytics tools. The data we examined closely in this manner helped us uncover transplatform strategies employed in the production of homophilous affective right-wing digital enclaves. The data from Twitter provided us an entry point. This work reveals a transplatform campaign supporting right-wing reactionary politics, uncovering networks spreading misogyny, lesbophobia, casteism, colorism, and a sense of Hindu victimhood.

Learnings from Shri Adi Shankara’s Life: A Management Perspective

Religion, philosophy, science, and management cannot work in isolation in the long run. These need to be harmonized and synchronized for the success of a society. It is also needed to live, feel and practice a balanced and ideal life and is imperative for a successful and great leader. Shri Adi Shankara is one of the greatest philosophers the world has ever seen. He was not only a Tattva Jnani (man of wisdom), but also a great expert in managing worldly affairs. During the 8th century, a chaotic situation prevailed in the Hindu society of Bharata Desha (India) with its very existence in jeopardy and its values, culture, and traditions in peril, on the verge of vanishing. Shri Adi Shankara strode across the country debating with scholars and propounding his philosophy of Advaita (Non-duality) and unifying people of differing viewpoints. Without him, Hindu religion would not have been in subsistence. Keeping this in view, an attempt is made in this paper to discuss the management perspectives that emerge from the life, works, and teachings of Jagadguru Shri Adi Shankara Bhagavatpaada. It looks at his leadership qualities and the effort he made at integrating India into one unified whole. Keywords: Adi Shankara, Philosophy, Hinduism, Management Learnings

The Tradition of Ketipat Kawulu Ceremony in Hindu Community Civilization in Mataram City

This research aims to: 1) To analyze the form of the Ketipat Kawulu Ceremony Tradition in Hindu Civilization in Mataram City, 2) To describe the function of the Ketipat Kawulu Ceremony Tradition in Hindu Civilization in Mataram City, 3) To analyze the meaning contained in the Ketipat Kawulu Ceremony Tradition in Hindu Civilization in Mataram City. The data collection techniques used in this research are 1) Observation, 2) interviews and 3) Documentation. Furthermore, the theories used to analyze are: 1) Religious Theory, 2) Symbolic Instruction Theory, and 3) Value Theory. The results of this study are: 1) The tradition form of ketipat kaulu ceremony in the civilization of Hindu Society in Mataram City consists of: a) carried out by the Hindu community in Mataram City; b) the place of the ceremony is focused on sanggah/merajan, dadya temple, beach and the nearest temple in Mataram City; c) this ceremony is held on tilem sasih kaulu; d) In this ceremony using banten tipat sirikan; e) Steady belief (sradha bhakti). 2) The function of the Ketipat kawulu Ceremony Tradition in Hindu Civilization in Mataram City, namely: a) Neutralizing negative forces; b) As an Implementation of Vedic Teachings; c) As an Actualization of Panca Yadnya; d) As a Practice of Tri Hita Karana teachings; e) Environmental Preservation. 3) The meanings contained in the implementation of the ketipat kaulu ceremony tradition in the civilization of Hindu society in Mataram City include the following: a) philosophical meaning; b) religious meaning (tattwa); c) social meaning d) cultural meaning; e) welfare meaning.

Cultural Continuity and Change: A Study of the Sixteen Samskaras in Modern Hindu Society

This paper explores the cultural continuity and changes surrounding the sixteen samskaras within modern Hindu society. Drawing from a synthesis of scholarly works and classical texts, the study examines the historical significance and contemporary relevance of these rituals. Ramaswami Aiyer, Pandey, and Shelat provide foundational insights into the cultural heritage of India, emphasizing the enduring nature of the samskaras and their role in shaping Hindu identity. Shrutiprakashdas, Dave, Shukla, Vivekpriyadas, and Gnaneshwardas offer philosophical, sociological, and cultural perspectives, elucidating the spiritual dimensions and adaptive qualities of these ceremonies in response to societal shifts. Through an analysis of these sources, this paper seeks to understand how the sixteen samskaras continue to uphold tradition while accommodating changes in modern Hindu society. The Sixteen Samskaras, deeply rooted in Hindu philosophy and tradition, represent a series of sacred rites of passage that mark significant milestones in an individual’s life journey. These rituals, spanning from conception to cremation, play a vital role in shaping the spiritual and cultural identity of Hindus across different regions and communities. Each samskara is imbued with profound meaning and symbolism, reflecting the rich tapestry of beliefs and practices that define Hinduism.

Sulakhul Politics as a Result of Sultan Akbar's Reformist and Revolutionary Thought Amidst Hindu Domination in India

The heyday of the Mughal Empire began during the reign of Jalaluddin Akbar. At that time Islam was very developed despite being in the midst of a strong Hindu culture because Jalaluddin Akbar implemented a form of sulakhul politics (universal tolerance). This research aims to find out what made Islam very developed during the time of Sultan Akbar and how the sulakhul political policy. The method used in this research is library research or literature study. Sultan Akbar's policy was to create sulakhul politics (universal tolerance). This policy considers himself a king as well as a religious leader, so that Sultan Akbar has two equally high positions. Policies in the field of religion are by establishing a religious discussion forum called Ibadat Hana and also making the Din Ilahi movement as a medium of tolerance and moderation in religion.The greatest kings of the Mughal Dynasty were Sultan Akbar, Sultan Shah Jahan, and Sultan Aurangzib. Sultan Akbar is best known for his political and cultural accommodation of Islamic rule and Hindu society in India. Under his leadership, the Mughals managed to develop into a large dynasty. In addition, his most famous policies were the din ilahi movement and sulakhul politics where religious tolerance was highly emphasized and implemented during his reign.

Makna Pupuh Pucung ‘Bibi Anu’ Pengiring Ritual Nelu Bulanin Masyarakat Hindu Bali

This research aims to determine the symbolic meaning of pupuh pucung entitled 'Bibi Anu' which is used as an accompaniment to nelu bulanin rituals. The data were taken from a video of the Nelu Bulanin ceremony from YouTube with the address https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=TTNtDppLjc0. The data were collected by applying the observation method through watching the video, transcribing the lyrics, reading, and note-taking the words or phrases that contain symbolic meaning. There were five stanzas of pupuh pucung used as data sources. This research used a qualitative approach. The analysis was carried out by applying the cultural-linguistic theory proposed by Palmer (1996). This research shows that the lyrics of 'Bibi Anu' use linguistic units like words and phrases with symbolic meaning as a means of expressing the beliefs of Balinese Hindu society. This research has proven that Pupuh Pucung ‘Bibi Anu’ not only accompanies the ritual but is an inseparable part of the ritual itself because the lyrics contain belief values as an inseparable part of Balinese culture.

SULTANATE PERIOD: A BRIEF ESTIMATION OF BENGALI LITERATURE

The materialization of Sultanate rule over Bengal territory by the onset of thirteen century marked a new sketch on socio-cultural life of native people. For the first time, dominated Hindu society encountered a new wind of Muslim rule, which gradually made a socio-cultural cocktail for both communities. Obviously due to this shift, the Bengali literature received a new sway under new political set up. Under the Influence of contemporary socio-political thoughts, the theme, pattern, volume and expression of Bengali literature progressively got new line. Consequently, there certain streamline became as new trends for the Bengali literature that clearly distinct from the earlier times. Simply, this paper has made an endeavor to investigate the trend and the line of changes that had been taken place in Bengali literature during sultanate rule in India.

Dalits and their territorial rights in India

AbstractA caste is one of the conventional four social strata into which Hindu society seperates its members. The scriptures from ancient India make reference to it. The four classes are the Brahmins (priestly people), the Kshatriyas (rulers, administrators, and warriors; also known as Rajanyas), the Vaishyas (artisans, merchants, businessmen, and farmers), and the Shudras are the lowest of the caste system (laboring classes). However, an individual of the lowest class in traditional Indian society falls outside of the Hindu caste system and is subject to severe social restrictions. This commentary is divided into three parts; the first part highlights the caste system, the second part examines the constitutional and legislative safeguards for them, and the third part illustrates the current social disparity of Dalits in India.

অসাম্প্রদায়িক বাংলাদেশ প্রতিষ্ঠায় সুফি ভাবধারার প্রভাব

The Sufi Saints played an important role to preach Islam in Bangladesh as well as South Asia. There are a lot of evidences about Shahaba (Companions of Prophet Sm.) came South Asia and Bangladesh for spreading Islam in the 7th Century. Next Centuries, hundreds of Sufis and their followers came for preaching Islam and spread over across the South Asia. Their excellent characteristics, strong morality, devotion, deep sense of humanity and serve to the poor people attracted non-Muslim people of this region. Generosity, equality and rich Islamic culture inspired local people to embrace new religion Islam. Interaction of South Asian Culture and Islamic Culture made a new dimension of Culture and Ethics in the Society. In Indian Society, Caste System of the Hindu, oppress to Subaltern people and humiliating abolished gradually. Even though, Reform movement of Hinduism and eradicate aristocracy system of the Hindu Society has started to free from Islamic influence. Education system opened for all during the Sultanate period in India. A new dimension of society and culture make amicable relations between the Hindu and Muslim of South Asia as well as Bangladesh. This Religious co-existing and harmony made South Asia a new mentality which called Communal Harmony. Non-Sectarian ideology inspired Muslim rulers to govern their territory. The Sufism and Sufi saints helped the rulers to make communal Harmony in the society. Communal harmony and social consistency were the vital roles of Muslim era in South Asia. In Nineteenth Century, rise of Sufi Saint and spiritual leader Mowlana Sayed Ahamed Ullah Mizbhandari (k.) (1826—1906) influenced society vividly. His philosophy and Mizbhandari Tariqa Played an important role in the Politics, Society and Culture of Bangladesh. Specially seven Ushal system, Mizbhandari mystic songs and no- Communal ideology inspired all sorts of peoples like the Hindu and Muslim. This research paper examines the influence of the Mizbhandari and other Sufi Tariqa in preaching Islam, Politics, Society and Culture of Bangladesh and South Asia. It also assesses any role of Sufism and Sufis thought to make non- Communal and moderate Bangladesh.

Socio-cultural Practice: A Case Study on Personal Hygienic Behavior in the Hindu Society

Hindu culture and religion has its own idea regarding what constitutes excellent physical, mental, and spiritual purity. It would be interesting to learn more about whether or not the Hindu society of today adheres to the same practices. All Hindus view maintaining personal hygiene, including cleanliness of the body, hands, clothes, hygienic toilet, and menstrual hygiene management, as a duty and a fundamental principle. Personal hygiene is considered to be a key component of Hindu society. The major objective is to comprehend the level of awareness and personal hygienic behavior in Hindu society. The study primarily takes into account two cultural and social aspects of personal hygiene. The study used hand washing behaviors, trimming and combing procedures, menstrual hygiene management, usage of safe toilet, brushing, bathing, and cleaning practices as the main areas of the study. The necessity of hygienic habits for happiness, social status, and cultural continuity was also well understood in Hindu society. More Hindus now practice personal hygiene than during the Vedic Hindu era. Hygiene habits may be improved by affecting the attitudes of the society. A social and behavior change communication approach for hygiene behaviors should be implemented by the society. The improvement of daily personal hygiene routines and behavior adjustment are required to raise a better social status and cultural practices. The Hindu community is also adopting a novel viewpoint on the connection between personal hygiene and Hindu culture.

Dalits in the Past and Present: Experiences of Chamars from Nepal Tarai

This paper is about the caste system, status of one of the Dalit community (Chamar) and the change taking place in such community over the period of time. Caste system is the division of people based on occupational diversity which is unique feature of Hindu society.
 According Hindu varna system, society is hierarchically divided as Brahmin, Kshatriya, Vaishya and Sudra. In this hierarchy, Dalits were kept at the bottom with duty as labourers and service providers. Belonging to Shudra varna they were discriminated in the name of so called untouchable caste. The results of untouchability were manifested in various areas of social practice including work and wage. It made Dalits to at the margin of the society. Later on the provision of punishment if any case of untouchability was found in practice was made. Even after the implementation of legal provision that considers discriminatory or untouchable practices against Dalits as illegal activities there is still the practice of untouchability. Till the date most of Dalits including Chamars in Tarai are engaged in age-old traditional occupation or manual works.
 Based on the previous literatures and few narratives collected through interviews this paper argues that the status of Chamar, one of the Dalit communities of Tarai was facing various problems including untouchability in the past and even today they are experiencing problems of various kinds including untouchability. However, social and cultural movement of Dalits in eastern Tarai of Nepal is a struggle for changing status of Dalits including Chamars.

Goddess, Guru, and Sanghajanani: The Authority and Ongoing Appeal of the Holy Mother Sarada Devi

Saradamani Mukhopadhyay (1853–1920), more widely known as Sarada Devi and, to her devotees, the Holy Mother, presents an illuminating case study of the various means by which, in many respects, a highly traditional and typical rural Hindu woman of her time, operating from within the categories of Bengali Hindu society, was able to navigate these categories in ways that did not undermine, but rather enhanced, her agency, enabling her to shape her social reality in creative and transformative ways. Inhabiting the traditional role of mother and nurturer while carrying it out in a highly non-traditional manner, Sarada Devi played a central, often behind-the-scenes, role as a major influencer of an important modern Hindu spiritual movement—indeed, the first such movement to be able to boast an international following. Having no biological children of her own, Sarada Devi became the mother to this movement and to the monastic order dedicated to carrying forward the vision of her husband, Sri Ramakrishna Paramahamsa (1836–1886), as interpreted both by herself and his disciples, the most prominent of whom was Swami Vivekananda (1863–1902), who is well known for having brought Ramakrishna’s teachings to the Western world through his lectures in America, including at the World Parliament of Religions held in Chicago in 1893 and his founding of the first Vedanta Societies, starting in New York in 1894.

Demystifying the state of Minorities in Contemporary India: Reading Amit Masurkar's Sherni (The Tigress) from the Vantage Point of Marginality

Bharatiya Janata Party, the ruling party of an emergent Indian nation-state, has, from its genesis ventriloquized and brandished its exacerbating agenda of Hindu Fundamentalism in a flawed myth of an anecdotal Hindu Nationalist past where non-Hindus are conveniently ostracized. This political gambit is deployed to manufacture an overblown theory of a decline in Hindu culture, the best resonance of which is the Citizenship (Amendment) Act of 2019, discriminating, and interrogating the legitimacy of specific communities on sheer grounds of religion. Amit Masurkar's film of 2021, Sherni (The Tigress) provides a critical insight into this brutal Racial Politics pervading an upper caste Hindu society, in the guise of a subtle sub-text, camouflaged within a distracting narrative of Man versus Nature. This paper facilitates the reading of this hidden discourse of Realpolitik alongside the predominant cultural narrative of gender and natural domination. Through a palimpsestuous reading, it explores themes of racial exclusion and segregation in an Ultra-Right Hindu Nation that the film silently addresses. Furthermore, this paper challenges the dominant narrative of Ecofeminism, to instead investigate the categories of race and ethnicity that intersect gender issues.

Caste Distinction between Hinduism and Judaism - A comparative study-

This research addresses the issue of caste-based distinction, which was rooted in Hinduism. This discrimination prevailed in Hindu society, which became divided according to the caste system that was dominant. We can find significant similarities between this and the Jewish caste-based discrimination, though the latter expanded to encompass a division within the Jewish community into two categories: one based on specific criteria, such as descent from a particular lineage, or being born to Jewish parents, while the second seeks to differentiate between Jews and other humans, known as "Goyim".
 Racial discrimination was prominent in both Hinduism and Judaism, with the aim of segregating humanity to an extent that is difficult to conceive. It led to looking at others based on factors like gender, color, professions, some religious considerations, and more. Caste-based discrimination represents a religious and social aspect that prevailed in both of these societies, resulting in many laws and duties for each caste that were characterized by their severity and disregard for human dignity.

Współczesna sytuacja sanskrytu

The contemporary situation of Sanskrit This article presents the current situation of Sanskrit and the importance of Sanskrit in India. How is Sanskrit used in daily life in India and what is its role in the sub-continent’s religions? There are some television channels in Sanskrit and in schools Sanskrit is a mandatory subject. It is one of the twenty-three official languages in India. Sanskrit is not a dead language because there are some villages where people use it in daily life, for example in school, university, worship, and especially on traditional occasions. It has a role like Greek or Latin have in European society. India has a special day celebrating Sanskrit, and a special week for Sanskrit. People have started to learn Sanskrit in German schools and in US schools. NASA also uses Sanskrit. It is possible in the future that computers will work in Sanskrit. Sanskrit is the language in which the Vedas, Upanishads, Puranas, and texts on ethics are written. It has been a language used in India for a very long time. Sanskrit is a classical and historical language of India. The corpus of Sanskrit literature encompasses a rich tradition of poetry and drama as well as scientific, technical, philosophical, and Hindu religious texts. The importance of Sanskrit is quite evident from its all-India scope. It goes without saying that it is the basis of most of the modern Indian languages. I give several opinions of Sanskrit of some of the greatest orientalists that the world has ever produced; I show the consensus of the opinions of men like Professor Max Müller, Veer Savarkar, Rajendra Prasad, and Mahatma Gandhi. These opinions show the cultural importance of Sanskrit in the life of India as the only language that can culturally integrate the entire country and the entire Hindu society.

An investigation into the Dharmasutras' Manusmruti Varna system

A wealth of knowledge on the political, judicial, and social climate of that era may be found in Manusmriti. The earliest and most well-known smriti is Manusmriti, also known as Manava dharmasastra. A standard representation of Hindu society and civilization, the Manusmriti is the most authoritative source of Hindu law. The second-century manuscript Manusmriti is credited with maintaining the varna system, which consists of four divisions within society. This classification, however, does not only apply to Manusmriti. Instead, it is a prevalent aspect—indeed, a fundamental component—of all of the Dharma literature. The challenges the Brahmin group faced during a time of extreme social upheaval seem to have been taken into consideration when the book was written. The Vyavaharapadas worldview aims to restore the oneness of the Brahmin and Kshatriya ethnic groups. Eleven The focus on this topic is intended to be seen as a gift of similarity from the ruling elite to the religious community. Apart from the Vedas, very few other literary works in the world perhaps give women as much respect and privileges as these do, as the Manu Smriti gladly attests to. It might be necessary to search for further modifications even in well-known women's activist works to properly arrange Manu Smriti. It is not very clear from everything I have looked at that women are the cornerstone of a good society. The other ancient political philosophers shared Manu's belief that women were a creature that required care and protection and could not exist on their own. However, the intellectuals' belief reduced women to subservient entities. Women have always taken a backseat to men in society. She was seldom treated with respect; occasionally, somebody would refer to her pitiful situation. The author attempted to analyze the varna system in Manusmriti as well as the position of women during that time.