Hinduism is one of the oldest religions in the world and has been a large part of Indian culture for centuries. For many years, it has been seen as a religion that is often seen as ‘stuck’ in its ways and not open to changing with the times. But in recent years, Hinduism has seen an increase in popularity in India, with Government data indicating that it is growing in both population and influence.
A 2019 report published by the Ministry of Home Affairs reveals that out of 1.3 Billion Indians, over 80% are classified as being Hindus. This indicates a marked rise from the previous estimates in the 2011 census, where it was determined that only 73% of the Indian population belonged to the religion.
Declining illiteracy rates and increased access to modern technology has enabled more people to learn about Hinduism, permitting them to make a more informed decision about their religion.
Sociologist Dr. Radhika Jaiswal believes that since Hinduism is so interwoven with Indian culture, its resurgence is a sign of a reaffirmation of national identity.
“We are seeing not just the eclipse of the colonial attitude, but also the ability to recognize the worth of our own longstanding cultural ties and spiritual heritage,” she said.
Some Hindu groups have sought to attract new followers by means of religion-based nationalism and a rise in religious-based violence. While this has drawn in some new adherents, it has also been a source of contention and criticism.
The importance of Hinduism as a cohesive agent in Indian society has not gone unnoticed by academics. John Mathai, a professor of religion at the Central University of Gujarat, explains that he has observed an increase in the number of young people taking part in religious festivals and practices, which for him is cause for optimism.
“India’s heritage of religious harmony is not only still alive, but is also visibly evolving with time,” Mathai said.
Overall, the growth of Hinduism in India could have far-reaching implications that could possibly extend beyond the religious realm. Many experts believe that the religion’s increasing rates of popularity could lead to a surge in economic and cultural growth.
Hinduism and Politics
Hinduism has become a major political factor in India in recent years, with the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) taking advantage of the religious system to advance its political agenda. BJP policies focus on the promotion of Hindu nationalism and the Hindutva concept, which propagates the message of Hinduism as being an integral component of Indian identity.
Though this strategy has indeed proven to be popular with certain sections of the population, it has raised concerns of intolerance among some organisations, with accusations that BJP policies could potentially divide Indian society along religious lines.
Former Prime Minister Manmohan Singh has been vocal about his opposition to the Hindutva movement, warning of ‘dangerous consequences’ which could arise from its propagation.
Despite this, the BJP has been highly successful in recent years, winning a majority in the 2019 Lok Sabha elections. This has been interpreted by many as being a clear sign of the increasing influence of Hinduism in Indian politics.
Hinduism as a Tool for Socioeconomic Change
The Indian religious system has also been used as a tool to bring about socioeconomic transformation. The Akshardham movement, based on the teachings of the Ahimsa doctrine, has been used to promote awareness regarding the importance of non-violence and respecting the environment.
Volunteers associated with the movement often organize free seminars, offering advice and assistance to those facing hardship. Through its work, the organization hopes to put an end to poverty and social injustice.
Similarly, several other religious organizations have been set up to provide access to proper education and healthcare – two issues often neglected in the Indian system.
Organisations such as Mata Amritanandamayi Math have donated large sums of money towards the development of primary schools and health centers in areas lacking basic amenities.
These initiatives have had a positive impact on numerous communities and have sparked an increased interest in the Hindu religion.
Hinduism and the Arts
The Hindu faith has also been deeply integrated into the art scene, with many visual and performing artists opening up to the ideas of the religion.
Theater plays, dance performances and other art forms are often tailored around Hindu philosophy, with several plays and movies even aiming to retell important myths and legends of Hinduism.
Public spaces such as galleries, museums and libraries have also become sites of promotion for the religion, reflecting the diverse, interwoven facets of Hinduism. This has helped the religion garner more attention from a younger audience, providing them with a greater understanding of the process and beliefs.
Social media too has become a great platform for the promotion of Hinduism, with numerous accounts posting pictures, videos and other content related to the religion.
Foreign Interest in Hinduism
Despite being mainly centered in India, Hinduism has managed to capture the attention of people all around the world.
This phenomenon is particularly evident in several countries of Southeast Asia, which were once Hindu majority territories but were converted to different faiths during their long history of foreign rule.
In the past few decades, the governments of these countries have shown a renewed interest in restoring and preserving their Hindu heritage, with many organisations engaged in the reconstruction of ancient temples and other structures.
Other regions too, such as the US, UK and Australia, have experienced a surge in Hinduism related activities – from spiritual retreats to yoga classes. Visitors from these countries often take time out of their schedules to visit India to observe and participate in Hindu festivals and pilgrimages.
The Future of Hinduism in India
Hinduism has managed to remain relevant in India through its ability to adapt to changing times and emerging trends. Of course, the religion is not without its faults and has been subject to criticism from several quarters in the past few years.
However, it is certainly undeniable that the resurgence of Hinduism as a major force in India has had a huge impact in terms of strengthening the nation’s cultural ties and identity.
It can be assumed that the religion’s influence will continue to grow in the coming years, further enriching the Indian society and the lives of its people.
