Ability Enhancement Compulsory Course (AECC)

Course Title: India and Indian Constitution

Unit: Understanding India

Chapter 2:

• Lesson 1: Political Culture of India – Origin and Growth

• Lesson 2: Revivalism, Communalism and Secularism

Lesson 2: Revivalism, Communalism and Secularism

I. Why was the Revivalist Movement in India significant?

The Indian Revivalist Movement was a period of social, political, cultural and religious reform that
began in the 19th century and continued throughout the 20th century. This movement sought to
revive India's traditional values and beliefs, while also looking to the West for new ideas and
ideologies.

The movement was led by a variety of individuals and groups, including reformers such as Swami
Vivekananda, Dadabhai Naoroji and Gopal Krishna Gokhale. These individuals sought to reform
Hinduism, abolish untouchability, promote women's rights, and bring about social and political
reform. Swami Vivekananda and other revivalists focused on the idea of Hinduism as a universal
religion, and sought to bring about a spiritual renaissance in India.

The revivalists also sought to bring about social and political reforms, such as the abolition of the caste
system, the promotion of education, and the improvement of the economic condition of the common
people. The introduction of modern education, the growth of industry, and the development of
infrastructure were also part of this movement.

The Indian Revivalist Movement also had a major impact on India's concept of identity and
nationhood. It helped to shape the idea of modern India, by promoting ideas of Indian nationalism,
unity and progress. The revivalists helped to create a sense of pride and belonging among the people
of India, and helped to foster a sense of unity and solidarity among the various ethnic and religious
communities of the country.

The Indian Revivalist Movement was an important part of India's struggle for independence and the
creation of a modern nation. It helped to foster a sense of national identity and pride in the Indian
people, and to lay the foundations for a modern, democratic India. The ideas and ideals promoted by
the revivalists continue to be relevant in India today.

The Revivalist Movement in India was significant because it sought to revive traditional Indian culture
and values that had been lost or eroded in the face of colonial rule. The movement aimed to restore
pride in Indian culture and to create a sense of national identity. It also sought to challenge the idea
of the superiority of Western culture and to promote a sense of self-rule and autonomy.

II. On Dayanand Saraswati

Dayanand Saraswati was a great scholar who strongly advocated for the fight against social injustice.
He was a leader of the Hindu religious reform movement, the Arya Samaj, and was a proponent of
social and religious reform. Saraswati was a strong advocate for religious freedom, the separation of
religion and state, and the pursuit of rational inquiry. He rejected idol worship, the caste system, and
the oppression of lower castes. He believed in the equality of all people, regardless of caste or gender.

Saraswati also believed in the need for an education system that would enable everyone to reach their
fullest potential. He pushed for the establishment of educational institutions, as well as the
development of vocational schools. In terms of political thought, Saraswati was an ardent advocate of
Indian independence. He believed that the British Raj was oppressive and exploitative and that the
Indian people should be free to govern themselves. He also believed in the need for a strong, unified
India, with a single set of laws, and a unified system of taxation.

Saraswati also advocated for the establishment of a strong and independent judiciary, as well as a
merit-based system of government appointments. He also believed in the need for a strong military
and the importance of national defence. Overall, Dayanand Saraswati was a great thinker and
reformer who advocated for the fight against social injustice and the establishment of a strong and
independent India. His ideas and beliefs remain highly relevant today.

III. Dayanand Saraswati’s Contributions to the Indian Revivalist Movement:

Dayanand Saraswati was a renowned Indian philosopher, social reformer and the founder of the Arya
Samaj, a Hindu reform movement. He was a major influence in the Hindu Revivalist Movement and is
credited with the revival of Vedic culture in India.

The Arya Samaj was founded by Dayanand Saraswati in 1875 in Bombay to promote the values of the
Vedas and to fight against the oppressive social practices of the time such as child marriage,
untouchability, and the subjugation of women. He was a strong advocate of women's rights and
education and was one of the first to propose the establishment of women's education and the right
of women to divorce their husbands.

Dayanand Saraswati's contribution to the Hindu Revivalist Movement was immense. He preached the
ancient Vedic values and called for the rejection of idol worship and the practice of caste-based
discrimination. He challenged the authority of the Brahmin priestly class and called for a more
egalitarian approach to Hinduism. He also campaigned for the freedom of India from British rule and
the restoration of Vedic culture and values.

Dayanand Saraswati's legacy is still visible today. The Arya Samaj continues to be an influential Hindu
organization and its values are held in high regard. His influence on the Indian Revivalist Movement
can still be felt in the modern India, with many of his teachings still being followed.

IV. Contributions of the Arya Samaj

The Arya Samaj is a Hindu reform movement founded in 1875 by Swami Dayananda Saraswati. It was
established as a response to the challenges posed by the British colonial rule in India and the increasing
influence of Christianity during that period. The main aim of the movement was to reform Indian
society and promote Vedic ideals.

The Arya Samaj has had a profound impact on Indian society, culture and politics. It is credited with
helping to modernize Hinduism and introducing many reforms such as the abolition of untouchability,
the promotion of female education, and the adoption of the Gregorian calendar. It also played a major
role in the Indian independence movement and the formation of the All India Depressed Classes
League, which helped to bring about reforms for Dalits and other oppressed caste groups. Some of its
contributions are as follows:
1. Rejection of idol worship and superstitious beliefs: The Arya Samaj rejected idol worship and
superstitious beliefs, and instead advocated a return to the Vedic religion. This helped to rid Indian
society of many of its superstitious and oppressive practices.

2. Educating the masses: The Arya Samaj established educational institutions and provided
scholarships to encourage students to pursue higher education. This helped to raise the level of
education among the masses and make them aware of their rights and responsibilities.

3. Rejection of caste system: The Arya Samaj rejected the caste system, which was one of the most
oppressive features of the Indian society. This helped to create a more equal and just society.

4. Women's rights: The Arya Samaj championed the cause of women's rights, advocating for their
education and social equality. This helped to raise the status of women in Indian society.

5. Promotion of Swadeshi: The Arya Samaj encouraged the use of Swadeshi, or Indian manufactured
goods, and promoted boycotts of British goods. This helped to create a sense of Indian nationalism
among the masses and served as a catalyst for the Indian independence movement.

V. Emergence of Communalism in the Indian Political Landscape

The roots of Communalism in Indian Political Culture can be traced back to the British colonial rule.
During this period, the British implemented a policy of 'Divide and Rule', which sought to divide Indians
along religious and ethnic lines in order to maintain control over them. This policy saw the creation of
separate electorates for Muslims, Hindus, and Sikhs, as well as other religious and ethnic groups. This
policy not only encouraged the growth of communalism in Indian society but also planted the seeds
of communal divisions which would eventually lead to the emergence of communal politics in India.

Additionally, the Partition of India in 1947 and the subsequent creation of India and Pakistan further
exacerbated existing communal tensions in India. This event saw the mass migration of people along
religious lines and the emergence of an 'us vs. them' mentality which has continued to shape Indian
politics in the decades since.

Communalism as a political movement refers to the mobilization of people along religious, ethnic, or
linguistic lines to promote particular interests. The most prominent contribution of communalism as
a political movement is its ability to provide a platform for marginalized communities to voice their
grievances. This has allowed historically oppressed groups to gain recognition and have their demands
heard on a larger scale.

In addition, communalism has also provided a platform for religious minorities to express their unique
identities and to fight for their rights. This has allowed them to fight for their rights and for greater
recognition of their culture and religion.

VI. Sir Syed Ahmed Khan

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was an Indian Muslim philosopher, social reformer, and educationist. He was an
important figure in the Muslim modernist and reform movement of the 19th century and is credited
with founding the Aligarh Muslim University. He sought to bring about a reconciliation between
modern Western influences and the traditional culture of Muslims in India. His writings, which were
largely in Urdu and Persian, encouraged Muslims to take an active part in modern society and to
promote education and reform.

Sir Syed was a strong advocate of education and the modernization of Muslim society. He founded
the Muhammadan Anglo-Oriental College in Aligarh in 1875, which later became the Aligarh Muslim
University. He believed that education was the key to improving the social and economic condition of
Muslims. He was also a strong proponent of women's rights and advocated for the education of girls.
He encouraged the use of English language in order to promote modernity and progress. He was also
against purdah, or the seclusion of women, and supported the abolition of child marriage.

In his leadership role in the Indian National Congress, Sir Syed was actively involved in the struggle for
Indian independence. He supported the concept of a united India and worked to bring together
different communities and religions. He was also a champion of Hindu-Muslim unity and worked to
foster understanding between the two communities. He wrote extensively on social and political
issues. His most famous works include: The Causes of the Indian Revolt, The Loyal Muhammadans of
India and A Series of Essays on the Life of Mohammed and Subjects Subsidiary Thereto.

Sir Syed Ahmad Khan is remembered as a great reformer and modernizer of Indian society. His
contributions to education, social reform and political reform are held in high regard and are
considered to be an important part of Indian modernity.

VII. Sir Syed’s Contributions towards the Socio-Political Reform

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was an influential Muslim leader in India who fought for the education and
advancement of Muslims in India during the 19th century. He is widely regarded as a pioneer of the
Indian independence movement and an important figure in the history of Indian Muslims.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a reformer who made major contributions to the Muslim community in
India during the 19th century. He was a scholar, social reformer, and educationist who was committed
to improving the plight of Muslims in India. He was credited for being the founder of the Aligarh
Muslim University (AMU).

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan believed that the only way to uplift the Muslim community was through
education and social reforms. He established a number of modern schools and colleges in the country,
which provided education to a large number of Muslim students. He was also the first to introduce
the concept of co-education in India. His educational institutions enabled Muslims to gain access to
modern knowledge and equip them with tools to compete in the rapidly changing world.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan also focused on removing the social and religious differences between Hindus
and Muslims. He was a strong advocate of communal harmony and worked hard to improve the
relationship between the two communities. He was also a proponent of inter-faith dialogue and was
instrumental in organizing many conferences between the two communities.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a prolific writer and author. He wrote several books, including The Causes
of the Indian Revolt, The Loyal Muhammadans of India and The Causes of the Indian Mutiny. These
books highlighted the plight of the Muslims in India and helped to raise awareness about their
situation.

1. Education: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a strong advocate of modern education and believed that it
was essential for the social and economic upliftment of the Muslim community in India. He was
instrumental in setting up the first modern Muslim university in India, the Aligarh Muslim University.
He also established a number of schools and colleges in India, such as the Muhammadan Anglo-
Oriental College in Aligarh and the Scientific Society of Aligarh. He was a firm believer in the power of
education and strived to ensure that all Muslims had access to quality education.

2. Social Reforms: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a strong proponent of social and religious reforms. He
was an advocate for the abolishment of the caste system and for the adoption of a more progressive
attitude towards women. He also worked to promote the idea of a united India, with different religious
communities living together in harmony. He wrote extensively on the topic and sought to bridge the
gap between Hindus and Muslims.

3. Political Awakening: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was one of the first Indian Muslim leaders to understand
the importance of political participation and the need to be involved in the decision-making processes
of the government. He was an early advocate of Indian nationalism and worked to awaken the Muslim
political consciousness in India. He wrote extensively on the need for reforms and was an early
supporter of the Indian National Congress.

4. Literary Contributions: Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a prolific writer and was instrumental in
introducing modern science, philosophy and literature to the Muslim community in India. He wrote
several books on scientific topics, such as Aligarh Institute Gazette and Asar-us-Sanadid, and also
translated the Bible into Urdu. He also wrote extensively on religious and social topics, such as his
famous work, The Causes of the Indian Mutiny.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan's contributions to the Muslim community in India are numerous and the impact
of his work can still be felt today. He is remembered as a pioneer of Indian independence and a
champion of social and educational reform for all of India's communities.

VIII. Contributions of Sir Syed Ahmed Khan to Indian Political Culture

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a prominent figure in the 19th century who is credited with playing a key
role in the development and reform of the Indian political culture. He was a prominent educator,
thinker and Muslim reformer who sought to bridge the gap between Muslims and Hindus in India.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a great advocate of modern education. He founded the Muhammadan
Anglo-Oriental College in 1875, which was the first Muslim university in India. He believed that a
modern education system was necessary for the socio-economic advancement of the Muslims in India.
He advocated the use of English as the medium of instruction and emphasized the importance of
science and technology in the modern education system.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a great supporter of Hindu-Muslim unity and advocated for dialogue and
understanding between the two communities. He organized the All-India Muhammadan Educational
Conference in 1886, which was aimed at bringing together Hindu and Muslim intellectuals to discuss
the issues faced by the Muslim community in India. He also wrote extensively on the subject of Hindu-
Muslim unity.

Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was an ardent believer in the need for reform within the Muslim community. He
advocated for the modernization of Islamic law and the reform of the Muslim personal law. He also
sought to reduce the influence of conservative religious leaders within the Muslim community and
encourage the adoption of progressive views.

Finally, Sir Syed Ahmed Khan was a great proponent of the Indian National Congress. He was one of
the earliest members of the organization and actively participated in its activities. He believed that
the Indian National Congress was the best platform through which the Muslims of India could voice
their grievances and demands. He was also a strong advocate of Indian independence and believed
that it was the only way for India to progress.

IX. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar

Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was an Indian independence activist and leader of the Hindu Mahasabha.
He is considered one of the most influential leaders of the Hindu nationalist movement in India. He
was a prolific writer, an orator, and an advocate of Hindu pride and self-defense. Savarkar's main
political philosophy was Hindutva, which argued for the unity of Hindus and the establishment of a
Hindu Rashtra, or Hindu nation. He believed that Hindus were a distinct people who shared a common
culture, and he argued that Hindus should unite to protect their rights and freedoms. Savarkar was
also a proponent of the idea of Akhand Bharat, which argued for the unity of the Indian subcontinent
under a single government. He argued for the establishment of a secular Indian state, and he opposed
the idea of Pakistan, which he viewed as a theocratic state. He also advocated for the abolition of the
caste system and for the uplifting of the downtrodden.

Some of his most significant contributions to Indian Political Thought are as follows:

1. Hindu Nationalism: Savarkar was a major proponent of the Hindu nationalist ideology, advocating
for the unification of all Hindus into a single nation and emphasizing the importance of Hindu culture
and identity.

2. Hindutva: Savarkar coined the term "Hindutva," which refers to the ideology of an all-encompassing
Hindu identity and nationhood.

3. Two-Nation Theory: Savarkar argued that Hindus and Muslims were two distinct nations and that
the two should be treated differently in terms of political and social rights.

4. Anti-Colonialism: Savarkar was an early advocate of Indian independence, advocating for the use of
non-violent methods to oppose British rule.

5. Indian Identity: Savarkar argued for a unified sense of Indian identity and for a nation that was both
multi-cultural and multi-religious.

X. Key Components of Political Thought

 Savarkar's political thought was based on the idea of Hindu Nationalism, which he believed
was the only way for India to attain true independence. He was a staunch believer in the
concept of Hindutva, or the common identity of Hindus. He believed that India should be a
strong, unified nation under the banner of Hindutva, and that this could only be achieved by
unifying the diverse religious and cultural traditions of the country under a single umbrella.

 Savarkar advocated a uniform civil code that would apply to all citizens regardless of their
religious faith. He also believed in a strong central government with a unified judiciary, and a
uniform education system. He also stressed the importance of economic self-sufficiency and
was a proponent of social reform.

 Savarkar was a strong critic of the caste system, and he believed that it was a major
impediment to the progress of the nation. He believed that the caste system should be
abolished, and that everyone should be given equal opportunities in society.

 Savarkar also stressed the importance of a strong foreign policy and defense. He believed that
India should strive to maintain friendly relations with other countries, while at the same time
being prepared to defend the nation against any aggression. He also advocated for the
protection of India's territorial integrity and the maintenance of a strong military.
XI. Idea of Hindutva

Hindutva, or “Hinduness”, is a term coined by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his 1923 book Hindutva:
Who is a Hindu? Savarkar argued that India is a Hindu nation and that Hindus form a nation of their
own. According to him, Hindutva is the “spirit of the Hindu nation” and is not just a religion but an all-
encompassing way of life.

Savarkar’s book laid out his vision of Hindu nationalism and his arguments for the centrality of Hindu
culture, identity and values to Indian life. He argued that India must be a Hindu nation and that India’s
freedom must be won by Hindus. He also argued that Hindus should have a sense of pride in their past
and that Hindu culture should be the basis for the nation’s laws, customs and literature.

Savarkar also argued that the different religions of India should be respected but that Hindus should
have priority over other religions in the country. He argued that Hindus should be the dominant force
in India and that other religions should accept Hindu culture as the basis for their own. He also argued
that cultural assimilation was necessary for the unity of India and that the different cultures should
come together to form a unified Hindu nation.

Savarkar believed that the nation must be united under the banner of Hindutva and that all Indians
should share a common culture and identity. He argued that the Hindu culture should be the basis for
the nation’s laws, customs and literature. He also argued that the different religions of India should
be respected but that Hindus should have priority over other religions in the country.

Hindutva as a nationalist ideology has been gaining traction in Indian politics in recent years. It has
had a significant impact on Indian political culture, leading to an increase in religious and cultural
conservatism, as well as a greater emphasis on Hindu nationalism. Hindutva has also had an effect on
the Indian economy. It has led to a greater emphasis on the protection of Indian industry, with some
arguing that this has led to a resurgence of protectionism and a decrease in the competitiveness of
Indian industry. Finally, Hindutva has had an effect on Indian foreign policy. It has led to a greater
emphasis on the protection of Indian interests and a more assertive stance towards foreign powers.
This has resulted in a decrease in India’s willingness to sign international agreements and a greater
focus on bilateral relations with countries which share a similar outlook to Indian interests. This has
had a significant effect on India’s relations with its neighbours, as well as its relations with the
international community.

XII. Jawaharlal Nehru

Jawaharlal Nehru (1889-1964) was an Indian statesman who was the first prime minister of
independent India. He was born in Allahabad, India, on 14 November 1889, to Motilal Nehru, a lawyer
and political activist, and Swaroop Rani.

Nehru’s early education was in India, at home, in a variety of private schools. He was then sent to
England for further studies, where he studied at Harrow and Trinity College, Cambridge. After
completing his studies in England, he returned to India in 1912 and took up legal practice. In 1916,
Nehru joined the Indian National Congress, a political party led by Mohandas K. Gandhi, and became
actively involved in the Indian independence movement. He was arrested several times for his political
activities, which included leading protests and speaking out against British rule.

In 1929, Nehru was elected president of the Indian National Congress. He took a leading role in
negotiating India’s independence from Britain, and in 1947, became the first prime minister of
independent India. As prime minister, Nehru introduced several social and economic reforms,
including the five-year plans and the Green Revolution. He also focused on maintaining good relations
with other countries, and in 1949, India became a founding member of the Non-Aligned Movement.
Nehru was a passionate advocate of international peace and disarmament. He served as prime
minister until his death in 1964, and his political legacy continues to influence India today.

XIII. Major Tenets of Political Thought

1. Secularism: Nehru believed in a secular state and appreciated the importance of religious freedom
and tolerance. He was an advocate of a non-sectarian and non-denominational approach to
governance.

2. Socialism: Nehru believed that the state should play an active role in the economy, encouraging
public sector investment and nationalization of certain industries. He was a strong advocate of social
welfare programs, such as subsidized food, education, and health care.

3. Non-Alignment: Nehru advocated for a foreign policy of non-alignment, which sought to avoid
alliances with any major power blocs and instead sought to maintain an independent stance in
international affairs.

4. Democracy: Nehru was a staunch believer in democracy, and sought to promote democratic values
and institutions throughout India. He was a proponent of universal suffrage and civil rights for all
Indians.

5. Internationalism: Nehru was a strong supporter of international cooperation and the United
Nations. He was a strong advocate for the cause of decolonization and sought to promote
international peace and security.

XIV. Nehru’s views on Indian Secularism

The concept of secularism is an important part of India’s identity and was first articulated by India’s
first Prime Minister, Jawaharlal Nehru. He defined secularism as the principle of equal respect for all
religions and the separation of religion from politics and the state.

Nehru saw secularism as a way to create national unity and to ensure the protection of religious
minorities. He was opposed to communalism, which he saw as a form of discrimination based on
religion. He believed that the government should remain neutral and should not favour any particular
religion. This would ensure that all citizens were treated equally regardless of their religion. He also
argued that the government should not interfere in religious practices or propagate any particular
faith.

Nehru also saw secularism as a way to promote democracy. He argued that democracy was only
possible if citizens had the freedom to practice their own faith without fear of persecution. He also
argued that democracy could only be successful if all citizens were given equal rights and opportunities
regardless of their religion. The Nehruvian vision of secularism was based on the idea that the Indian
state should be secular and not affiliated with any particular religion. It was based on the principle of
equal respect and treatment of all religions, while at the same time actively protecting minority faiths
and cultures. Nehru believed that religious tolerance and harmony were essential for a strong and
united India and advocated for a secular state where all religions, cultures and languages could co-
exist without discrimination. He also believed that the Indian state should provide an atmosphere of
religious freedom and ensure that no particular faith was given preferential treatment.

Nehru’s vision of secularism was not just a theoretical concept, but was also put into practice in India.
The Indian Constitution guarantees freedom of religion, and the government has taken steps to ensure
that all religions are treated equally. The government also does not fund any particular religion or
discriminate against any particular group.

Nehru’s idea of secularism has been instrumental in creating a tolerant, pluralistic society in India. It
has allowed different religions to live in harmony with one another and has helped to create an
environment in which citizens can express their religious beliefs without fear of persecution. It has
also enabled India to become a multicultural nation, where all citizens are equal before the law
regardless of their religious background.

In conclusion, Jawaharlal Nehru’s idea of secularism is a powerful concept that has been instrumental
in creating a tolerant and pluralistic society in India. It has allowed citizens to express their religious
beliefs without fear of persecution and has helped to create a society in which all citizens are equal
before the law regardless of their religion.