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Hindutva: Origin Evolution And Future
"A Magisterial work by Neelakandan to understand what Hindutva actually is and stands for." - Dr. Vikram Sampath "I have long admired Aravindan Neelakandan as one of the very few Indian thinkers who appreciate and acknowledge Western-derived science and modernity, while simultaneously remaining authentically grounded in Hindu tradition. There have been many books on the history of Hinduism and Hindutva, but this one is different, and significant, because it (correctly) takes a step back and identifies that our current situation is part of a global bio-psycho-sociological churn, something playing out over millennia, far beyond the lifespans of any one individual or organization or state. Aravindan, at his core, is a nature-lover and a scientist, and it is this perspective that suffuses this book and makes it special. While there is plenty of ground-breaking content within this expansive, encyclopedic book, I believe the sections on the neurobiological connections of Hindu meditative and ritual practice, which tie the history of Hinduism to the broader evolutionary inheritance of the human species, are going to be very impactful in the years to come." - Dr Anand Venkatraman Neuroscientist
- GenresCultural
816 pages, Paperback
Published November 1, 2022
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Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews
January 15, 2023
Author rightly points that Hindutva has been the bedrock of Indian Civilization since time immemorial. Its only in the last 100 years we are explicitly trying to understand/define it. He also emphasizes the fact the Hindutva is the sole surviving philosophy of universe that conserves theodiversity.
He expands upon the psycho-social and neurological aspects of Hindutva. As well as origin and the usual "mainstream" aspects of the term and its understanding/misunderstanding by different thinkers. He also talks about the future challenges and solutions.
Although sometimes he sounds too idealistic, but optimism has always been a major characteristic of us Hindus ;)
PS: I strongly recommend everyone to read Savarkar and Ram Swarup's work on Hindutva/"Hinduism" before this as the author builds upon quite a few thoughts from them.
He expands upon the psycho-social and neurological aspects of Hindutva. As well as origin and the usual "mainstream" aspects of the term and its understanding/misunderstanding by different thinkers. He also talks about the future challenges and solutions.
Although sometimes he sounds too idealistic, but optimism has always been a major characteristic of us Hindus ;)
PS: I strongly recommend everyone to read Savarkar and Ram Swarup's work on Hindutva/"Hinduism" before this as the author builds upon quite a few thoughts from them.
March 28, 2023
If there is one term that evokes extreme reactions in contemporary times and across nations, though largely detrimental ones, it is undoubtedly Hindutva.
When i picked up this book i thought it must be wholly based on Religion. But it is so much more - a historical civilizational process. It shows how Hindutva is not merely a religion but both a process and a existential reality and contains many dimensions and currents.
This book provides a clear understanding of how Hindutva came into origin and its evolution and where it is headed. It talks of hindutva not only from hindutva perspective but also in a neutral form.
___
#bookreview
Right from the starting the book held my attention. The narration was smooth and I liked the arguments placed in this book. It was great reading different views on hindutva and it was simply mind blowing. The research done by the author is commendable. You will be in awe of the arguements and views placed in this book with respect to Hindutva.
If you want to properly understand what hindutva actually stands for then grab this book.
It's a long read but worth it.
Recommended
When i picked up this book i thought it must be wholly based on Religion. But it is so much more - a historical civilizational process. It shows how Hindutva is not merely a religion but both a process and a existential reality and contains many dimensions and currents.
This book provides a clear understanding of how Hindutva came into origin and its evolution and where it is headed. It talks of hindutva not only from hindutva perspective but also in a neutral form.
___
#bookreview
Right from the starting the book held my attention. The narration was smooth and I liked the arguments placed in this book. It was great reading different views on hindutva and it was simply mind blowing. The research done by the author is commendable. You will be in awe of the arguements and views placed in this book with respect to Hindutva.
If you want to properly understand what hindutva actually stands for then grab this book.
It's a long read but worth it.
Recommended
March 21, 2023
The book Hindutva has much research, it is more of a well-written thesis I would say, and is simple enough for the average reader to understand.
What it talks about is the relationship between Hindu, Sindhu, Hinduism, and Hindutva. And it clarifies why the words Hindu and Hindutva are solely Indian and not provided by some outsiders.
This book talks about how Hindus are living with a dual identity as they attempt to reconcile their beliefs with social conventions because as we know Hindu nature is such that it cannot be ignored.
The book also talks about how to exclude Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, the British attempted to define Hinduism in a particular way. But despite the cultural variations between them, Dr. Ambedkar agreed that they all belong to the same large family. More like different branches of the same tree.
The author explains in great detail the results of many people's research to demonstrate that Hindutva is not an ideology but rather a historical civilizational process.
Hindutva interacts with the Indian political system, including political parties, the constitution, and other governmental organizations.
Also, the book talks about the monotheistic spread of a specific ideology or political agenda which is in opposition to Hinduism. Some may not follow this idea and some might. But it's always recommended that you read the book because it presents a lot of great information that needs to be known.
The book also dispels myths that are widespread among people. It has some fascinating information that was discovered after extensive research on writings from throughout the world.
You must read this book if your conception of Hindutva was formed solely from news feeds.
Where did the idea of Hindutva come from? Who came up with the phrase "Hindutva"? What are people's opinions of Hindutva? What role does it play in the world of today? What does Hindutva's future hold? This book has answers to a lot more questions. So I recommend you read this if you love to read big books with a bundle of information.
What it talks about is the relationship between Hindu, Sindhu, Hinduism, and Hindutva. And it clarifies why the words Hindu and Hindutva are solely Indian and not provided by some outsiders.
This book talks about how Hindus are living with a dual identity as they attempt to reconcile their beliefs with social conventions because as we know Hindu nature is such that it cannot be ignored.
The book also talks about how to exclude Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, the British attempted to define Hinduism in a particular way. But despite the cultural variations between them, Dr. Ambedkar agreed that they all belong to the same large family. More like different branches of the same tree.
The author explains in great detail the results of many people's research to demonstrate that Hindutva is not an ideology but rather a historical civilizational process.
Hindutva interacts with the Indian political system, including political parties, the constitution, and other governmental organizations.
Also, the book talks about the monotheistic spread of a specific ideology or political agenda which is in opposition to Hinduism. Some may not follow this idea and some might. But it's always recommended that you read the book because it presents a lot of great information that needs to be known.
The book also dispels myths that are widespread among people. It has some fascinating information that was discovered after extensive research on writings from throughout the world.
You must read this book if your conception of Hindutva was formed solely from news feeds.
Where did the idea of Hindutva come from? Who came up with the phrase "Hindutva"? What are people's opinions of Hindutva? What role does it play in the world of today? What does Hindutva's future hold? This book has answers to a lot more questions. So I recommend you read this if you love to read big books with a bundle of information.
February 10, 2023
• “As big as the darkness of ignorance, light a knowledge lamp as big as that. Treat the whole world your country, and try hard to change its appearance”.
• Hindutva has throughout centuries been identifiable with a sense of compatibility and comprehensiveness, however, the aspect of its contemporaneousness has not been much pondered upon as the 816 pages long do the same. Delving further, the underlying theme of the book concerns the true precepts of Hinduism and how it is interlinked with the initial prevailing ideas in our society and culture at large including but not limited to cow worship, etc., and further traces vital historical aspects having an impact on the way we are today including the Aryan Invasion theory. The most striking fact about the book remains to be its comprehensiveness and its contemporaneousness as the author has laid bare poignant facts to align the same with modern science as for long spirituality and science have been considered at loggerheads. Additionally, the author touches upon other core sociological aspects of Hinduism, and how it has materialized and further renders itself in our daily lives has been verily talked of. The writing style of the book has been kept simple, and easy to understand for the readers, and at the same time despite its long length, each page puts forth compelling information which is for the readers to see and explore.
• Thus, in light of the above-stated aspects, the book is a must-read for anyone willing to explore Hinduism with a neutral and contemporary perspective or for anyone willing to go for an insightful read.
• Hindutva has throughout centuries been identifiable with a sense of compatibility and comprehensiveness, however, the aspect of its contemporaneousness has not been much pondered upon as the 816 pages long do the same. Delving further, the underlying theme of the book concerns the true precepts of Hinduism and how it is interlinked with the initial prevailing ideas in our society and culture at large including but not limited to cow worship, etc., and further traces vital historical aspects having an impact on the way we are today including the Aryan Invasion theory. The most striking fact about the book remains to be its comprehensiveness and its contemporaneousness as the author has laid bare poignant facts to align the same with modern science as for long spirituality and science have been considered at loggerheads. Additionally, the author touches upon other core sociological aspects of Hinduism, and how it has materialized and further renders itself in our daily lives has been verily talked of. The writing style of the book has been kept simple, and easy to understand for the readers, and at the same time despite its long length, each page puts forth compelling information which is for the readers to see and explore.
• Thus, in light of the above-stated aspects, the book is a must-read for anyone willing to explore Hinduism with a neutral and contemporary perspective or for anyone willing to go for an insightful read.
May 23, 2023
𝙃𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙪𝙩𝙫𝙖: 𝙊𝙧𝙞𝙜𝙞𝙣, 𝙀𝙫𝙤𝙡𝙪𝙩𝙞𝙤𝙣 𝙖𝙣𝙙 𝙁𝙪𝙩𝙪𝙧𝙚 by 𝘼𝙧𝙖𝙫𝙞𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙢 𝙉𝙚𝙚𝙡𝙖𝙠𝙖𝙣𝙙𝙖𝙣
🪷 With knowledge comes power. The power to understand the context and situations. Without it one becomes delusional and ignorant.
"𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮 𝐃𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧. 𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐭𝐯𝐚 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐚"
🪷 The same can be said for "Hindutva", with a diversified collection of events and situations that turned out quite a handful of narratives and false stereotypes to it. Statements with thorough study, losses their credibility, and shows the rather inert intent of the very ideology.
🪷 This book studies Hindutva in both critical and holistic terms-an approach that is oft found missing in most studies on Hindutva, where a lot of critical knowledge has been left out either intentionally or out of ignorance.
📌 The thesis presented in this book is built on the strong foundation that Hindutva is not an ideology but a process a historical civilizational process. As such, it does not fit the expectations of any ideological framework.
📌 It designed in a way that it can be served as an handbook on Hindutva, for the modern times as well as a well researched and articulated work that focuses on bringing the perspective of various people and their ideologies on Hindutva, while keeping all the information in its original state.
📌 A thoroughly researched and articulated work on the subject. The title cannot be summarised or reviewed in a few hundred words, it won't do the justice. It took me almost 6 months to comprehend it, due to its depth and subtleness.
📌A must read for everyone who wants answers regarding the Hinduism, Sangh, Hindutva, Sanatan Dharma.
🪷 With knowledge comes power. The power to understand the context and situations. Without it one becomes delusional and ignorant.
"𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮 𝐃𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐦𝐚 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐰𝐨𝐮𝐧𝐝𝐞𝐝 𝐬𝐰𝐚𝐧. 𝐇𝐢𝐧𝐝𝐮𝐭𝐯𝐚 𝐢𝐬 𝐭𝐡𝐞 𝐡𝐞𝐚𝐥𝐢𝐧𝐠 𝐜𝐚𝐫𝐞 𝐨𝐟 𝐒𝐢𝐝𝐝𝐡𝐚𝐫𝐭𝐡𝐚"
🪷 The same can be said for "Hindutva", with a diversified collection of events and situations that turned out quite a handful of narratives and false stereotypes to it. Statements with thorough study, losses their credibility, and shows the rather inert intent of the very ideology.
🪷 This book studies Hindutva in both critical and holistic terms-an approach that is oft found missing in most studies on Hindutva, where a lot of critical knowledge has been left out either intentionally or out of ignorance.
📌 The thesis presented in this book is built on the strong foundation that Hindutva is not an ideology but a process a historical civilizational process. As such, it does not fit the expectations of any ideological framework.
📌 It designed in a way that it can be served as an handbook on Hindutva, for the modern times as well as a well researched and articulated work that focuses on bringing the perspective of various people and their ideologies on Hindutva, while keeping all the information in its original state.
📌 A thoroughly researched and articulated work on the subject. The title cannot be summarised or reviewed in a few hundred words, it won't do the justice. It took me almost 6 months to comprehend it, due to its depth and subtleness.
📌A must read for everyone who wants answers regarding the Hinduism, Sangh, Hindutva, Sanatan Dharma.
April 26, 2023
📌𝗢𝘃𝗲𝗿𝘃𝗶𝗲𝘄
🔺There have been many books on the history of Hinduism and Hindutva, but this one is different, and significant.
🔺While there is plenty of ground-breaking content within this expansive, encyclopedic book, the sections on the neurobiological connections of Hindu meditative and ritual practice, which tie the history of Hinduism to the broader evolutionary inheritance of the human species might add value to the future generation.
📌𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸
🔺I started this book back in mid Jan. I took it quite slow since I was new to the genre. Not that I don't like historical part - but whenever I tried reading this genre, it turned out to be boring.
🔺I think finding the right kind of book that allows you to deep dive and understand the context is important.
🔺 Reading this book made me realise 🥲why our academic books lack such kind of information? Why are these things not included in our syllabus?
🔺I would recommend this book to history lovers and tk the beginners as well-but take it slow- little little with patience:)
🔺What made me withhold the book till end was the raw data, ancient scripts, letters written by freedom fighters from jail, etc!
📌𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Intense research based and factual book around our culture and the history of Hinduism. 800+ pages filled with facts, figures, data 🤯Bet sure most of us didn't knew about the information shared in the book.
🤔𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱
If you are a hardcore historical lover or want to explore some facts around Indian culture and it's origin- this book is sufficient enough to start with.
🔺There have been many books on the history of Hinduism and Hindutva, but this one is different, and significant.
🔺While there is plenty of ground-breaking content within this expansive, encyclopedic book, the sections on the neurobiological connections of Hindu meditative and ritual practice, which tie the history of Hinduism to the broader evolutionary inheritance of the human species might add value to the future generation.
📌𝗠𝘆 𝘁𝗮𝗸𝗲 𝗼𝗻 𝘁𝗵𝗲 𝗯𝗼𝗼𝗸
🔺I started this book back in mid Jan. I took it quite slow since I was new to the genre. Not that I don't like historical part - but whenever I tried reading this genre, it turned out to be boring.
🔺I think finding the right kind of book that allows you to deep dive and understand the context is important.
🔺 Reading this book made me realise 🥲why our academic books lack such kind of information? Why are these things not included in our syllabus?
🔺I would recommend this book to history lovers and tk the beginners as well-but take it slow- little little with patience:)
🔺What made me withhold the book till end was the raw data, ancient scripts, letters written by freedom fighters from jail, etc!
📌𝗖𝗼𝗻𝗰𝗹𝘂𝘀𝗶𝗼𝗻
Intense research based and factual book around our culture and the history of Hinduism. 800+ pages filled with facts, figures, data 🤯Bet sure most of us didn't knew about the information shared in the book.
🤔𝗪𝗵𝗼 𝗰𝗮𝗻 𝗿𝗲𝗮𝗱
If you are a hardcore historical lover or want to explore some facts around Indian culture and it's origin- this book is sufficient enough to start with.
December 30, 2023
Hindutva is a philosophy celebrating India's Hindu community's cultural and spiritual heritage. The 816-page book explores the true principles of Hinduism, their connection to original ideas, and historical events. It reconciles spirituality with modern science, addressing long-standing tensions. The author also discusses Hinduism's sociology and its impact on modern life. The book's simple writing style makes it a must-read for those interested in learning about Hinduism from a neutral and contemporary perspective.
November 10, 2024
This book clearly describes what Hindutva movement stands for & how orgs such as RSS works for unity of our country. This movement has been giving the necessary resistance against expansionist ideologies. It is due to such resistance that we still exist as an independent cultural unit. At time of writing this comment, Hindus are under attack in both Bangladesh and in Canada. Hence there is a growing need of RSS going glogal and provide that necessary resistance.
Displaying 1 - 8 of 8 reviews