Introduction

Religion is closely connected with society. In sociology it is seen as part of informal control. Religion controls man’s activities by making him acquire religious and moral beliefs in family and religious contexts. Thus we expect that religious ideas would affect not only individual’s search for happiness but also the direction and speed of social change. Religion can help in social reforms. Religion can also harm society by justifying status-quo or unhealthy practices. Linking Hinduism to man and society is, however, fraught with certain difficulties.

Lecture 9 shows that the term Hindu, as used today, is one of those polysemous terms which require context specific definitions, before anything meaningful is said on Hinduism: the term Hinduism has multiple meanings and invokes multiple reactions. Therefore, to cynics it would make no sense to delve on Hindu approach to welfare of man and society. Hinduism can be conservative or progressive, communal or global, traditional or modern, parochial or universal, inclusive or exclusive, and moral or amoral. An evaluation of the impact of Hinduism on society depends heavily on how the evaluator defines Hindu religion. Yet, since Hinduism is a living force in India it is worth attempting an evaluation of this kind. The major contribution of Hindu religion to welfare of man and society are discussed first. This is followed by a brief discussion of its negative contributions.