Are Hinduism, Hindustan, and Nationalism Synonymous? A Critical Inquiry

Understanding Hinduism

In the contemporary usage, Hinduism is more accurately described as Smarthi. This classification emerged in the wake of the Anglo-Hindu Law, which was imposed on India during the colonial era. This law legally defined Hindu as those individuals belonging to the Smartha tradition of Hinduism. However, it is important to note that socially, Hinduism encompasses a much broader spectrum of religious practices, including Shaivism, Vaishnavism, and Shaktism, which are agamic in nature.

The Agamic and Non-Agamic Groups

Largely, the majority population of India is not agamic but focuses on cultural and village-based religious practices. These groups often encompass a diverse range of beliefs and deities, which they worship without formal classification. Individuals often identify as Hindu if they are not Muslim or Christian, and the term 'Hindu' has been widely imposed in a manner that reflects more of a cultural and ethnic identity than a religious one.

Nationalism and Its Absence in Hinduism

Nationalism, it is imperative to note, does not inherently belong to any religion, particularly those with a pantheistic or agnostic approach as seen in Hinduism. The idea of nationalism as a divine or even humanistic concept is largely an import from the Abrahamic traditions, which entered India with foreign invaders.

The Role of Tribals and Cultures

Cultures such as Sarnaism, represented by the worship of Singabonga in Mundari language, and tribal faiths like the Asur tribe, where celebrations like Dusshera are not recognized, often find themselves marginalized within the broader Hindu and nationalist narratives. These groups require specific attention to protect their devotional practices from being co-opted by external forces.

Defining 'Hindu' and the Dharmic Concept

A true ‘Hindu’ is not defined by baptism, initiation, or conversion. The concept is more open-ended, emphasizing living, loving, and protecting one's community in a harmonious way. This flexibility is in stark contrast to the rigid rules of Abrahamic religions that subjugate, invade, enslave, and conquer. Today, protecting one's way of life, whether religious or cultural, is a matter of duty, or Dharm, which includes a form of modern nationalism, a concept alien to the traditional Indian ethos.

As we navigate the complexities of the modern world, it becomes clear that protecting one's cultural and religious identity is essential. In doing so, we must be aware of the forces that seek to alter or compromise these identities. Whether through cultural appropriation or imposition of external beliefs, protecting our cultural and religious practices remains a fundamental human right.