The book ‘Vartman Sandarbh Mein Hindutva ki Prastuti,’ edited by Dr. Mohan Bhagwat, Suresh Soni, and Arun Kumar, Suruchi Prakashan, Delhi, 2024, p.75.  offers a deep and nuanced exploration of Hindutva—its historical origin, its relationship, and its socio-political significance in the modern era. Through meticulous research and insightful analysis, the book challenges common misconceptions, unpacks the complex relationship between Hindutva and Vedic traditions, and emphasizes the distinction between religion, dharma, and Hinduism.

At the core of this book, the analysis is about the distinction between religion and dharma and Hinduism and Hindutva. The book argued that the common conflation of these terms has led to a fundamental misunderstanding of the nature and purpose of Hindutva. It delves into dharma's Vedic and philosophical foundations, demonstrating how it encompasses a broader and more holistic worldview than the Western conception of religion. Similarly, it highlights how Hindutva, while drawing inspiration from Hinduism's rich cultural and spiritual heritage, is a distinct political and social ideology that has evolved in response to specific historical and contemporary challenges. One of the core arguments put forth by this book is that Hindutva is not merely a political ideology but rather a comprehensive worldview rooted in India's ancient spiritual and cultural heritage. It contends that Hindutva, in its essence, represents a timeless civilizational identity that has been shaped by the Vedic-Indic ethos. This perspective counters the prevalent narrative that often portrays Hindutva as a reactionary or exclusivist movement, divorced from India's pluralistic and inclusive traditions.

Vedic Foundations of Hindutva

A significant portion of the book is dedicated to exploring the Vedic underpinnings of Hindutva. This seminal text meticulously examines the conceptual links between Hindutva and the Vedic-Indic worldview, highlighting how the former draws inspiration and sustenance from the latter. The author(s) delves into Dharma as the foundational principle of the Vedic-Indic tradition, which he argues is fundamentally distinct from the Western notion of religion. As Bhagwat and Soni explain, Dharma is not merely a set of dogmatic beliefs or ritualistic practices but a holistic way of life that emphasizes harmony, balance, and the pursuit of the ultimate truth. They contend that Hindutva, in its essence, is a modern articulation of this Dharmic ethos, which encompasses a wide range of spiritual, social, and cultural dimensions.

Bhagwat’s analysis of the Vedic concept of Sanskriti (culture) is particularly enlightening, as he demonstrates how Hindutva derives its cultural and civilizational identity from the rich tapestry of Vedic-Indic traditions. He argues that Hindutva, far from being a narrow or exclusivist ideology, represents a broad understanding of India's cultural heritage, encompassing diverse linguistic, regional, and sectarian expressions. The book also delves into the Vedic conception of Rashtra (nation), presented as a fundamental aspect of Hindutva's worldview. Along with Bhagwat viewpoints, Soni argued that the Vedic-Indic understanding of nationhood transcends the modern nation-state model, encompassing a more profound sense of civilizational identity, shared values, and a collective destiny. He contends that Hindutva's vision of the Hindu Rashtra is rooted in this Vedic-inspired notion of nationhood, emphasizing the unity and continuity of India's spiritual and cultural legacy.

Religion, Dharma, and Hindutva

A central theme throughout the book is the distinction between religion, dharma, and Hinduism and how these concepts relate to Hindutva. The authors meticulously unpack the nuances of these terms, challenging the common conflation of religion and dharma, as well as the oversimplification of Hinduism as synonymous with Hindutva. The book delves into the Vedic understanding of Dharma, in which Soni argued that it fundamentally differs from the Western construct of religion. As he explains, Dharma is not about adherence to a set of beliefs or dogmas but rather a way of life that emphasizes harmony, balance, and the pursuit of the ultimate truth. He contends that Hindutva, in its essence, is a modern articulation of this Dharmic ethos, which encompasses a wide range of spiritual, social, and cultural dimensions.

In contrast, Bhagwat and Soni argued that religion is a concept that emerged from the Abrahamic traditions, which often emphasize the separation between the sacred and the secular, as well as the importance of faith over reason. He suggests that the imposition of this Abrahamic framework onto the Vedic-Indic worldview has led to a distorted understanding of Hinduism and its relationship with Hindutva. Regarding Hinduism, it presents a nuanced perspective, acknowledging its diversity, complexity, and the ongoing debates around its definition. They argued that as a living tradition, Hinduism has always been in a state of flux, constantly evolving and adapting to the changing times. In this context, Hindutva is a modern expression of this dynamic and multifaceted tradition rather than a rigid or monolithic ideology.

Soni’s analysis of the relationship between Hinduism and Hindutva is particularly insightful as he navigates the tensions and overlaps between the two. He suggests that while Hindutva draws heavily from the Vedic-Indic ethos that informs Hinduism, it is not synonymous with the latter. As he explains, Hindutva is a political and ideological construct that seeks to articulate and mobilize the civilizational identity of India. In contrast, Hinduism encompasses a broader spectrum of religious, spiritual, and cultural expressions. The book also delves into the historical and socio-political contexts that have shaped the evolution of Hindutva, tracing its roots from the 19th-century nationalist movements to its contemporary manifestations. Soni’s nuanced approach allows him to navigate the complex terrain of Hindutva, acknowledging its diverse interpretations and the ongoing debates surrounding its nature and impact.

Understanding Hindutva in Contemporary Times

The book addresses the critical challenges and misconceptions that Hindutva faces in present times. Arun Kumar tackles issues such as the accusation of majoritarianism, the perceived conflict between Hindutva and India's religious minorities, and the tension between Hindutva and the principles of secularism and democracy. Regarding the charge of majoritarianism, Kumar argued that Hindutva's emphasis on the Hindu identity and civilizational legacy is not inherently exclusivist or oppressive. He contends, like both Bhagwat and Soni, that Hindutva's vision of the Hindu Rashtra is not about the domination of the Hindu majority but rather the affirmation and protection of India's Dharmic heritage, which encompasses a rich diversity of religious, linguistic, and cultural expressions.

The author also addresses the Hindutva's understanding of religious pluralism, rooted in the Vedic-Indic tradition of Sarva Dharma Sambhava, which emphasizes the respect and accommodation of diverse spiritual paths. Kumar suggests that the tensions between Hindutva and minority communities are often the result of political and ideological reasons created by Communism and global market forces rather than inherent contradictions within the Hindutva worldview. Regarding the relationship between Hindutva and the principles of secularism and democracy, he presents a nuanced perspective. He acknowledges the ongoing debates and challenges but argues that Hindutva's conception of secularism and democracy fundamentally differs from the Western model. He suggests that Hindutva's understanding of these principles is rooted in the Vedic-Indic ethos, which emphasizes the harmony between the spiritual and the temporal and the collective well-being of the entire society.

Meanwhile, political theorists have argued that multiculturalism, which India has possessed, is undoubtedly based on the dogmas of Western-oriented discourses. On the contrary, this book elaborately discusses and proves this argument as an illusion that has ruled over the entire nation for a long time. It has been argued that India, beyond all such doubt, possesses a deep underlying fundamental unity far more profound than that produced by geographical isolation or political superiority. Arun Kumar includes the principle core of Dharma as mentioned in the Vedas, which has the organic concept of Rashtra and does not depend on any political or material entity. Throughout the book, he demonstrates a remarkable ability to navigate the complex and often contentious terrain of Hindutva, offering a balanced and well-researched perspective. He skillfully synthesizes historical, philosophical, and contemporary insights to understand this multifaceted phenomenon comprehensively.

Lastly, this seminal work challenges the prevailing narratives and invites readers to engage with the ideological foundations and socio-political significance of Hindutva in a nuanced and objective manner. The author's meticulous research, insightful analysis, and lucid writing style make this book a valuable resource for scholars, policymakers, and anyone interested in understanding the evolving role of Hindutva in the contemporary landscape. By illuminating the Vedic-Indic roots of Hindutva and highlighting the distinction between religion, dharma, and Hinduism, the book offers a fresh perspective that transcends the simplistic dichotomies and partisan debates that often characterize discussions on this complex topic. Overall, this text is a must-read for anyone seeking a deeper understanding of the role of Hindutva in the contemporary world. Its rich and insightful exploration of this topic will challenge and expand the reader's perspectives and contribute to the ongoing discourse on the complex and evolving relationship between tradition and modernity, religion and dharma, and nationalism and globalization.

(Dr Prashant Barthwal teaches Political Science at Sri Aurobindo College, University of Delhi. Views expressed here are personal.)