Phase 6: Post-independence Hinduism

Sociologically speaking, Hinduism has become a rather free floating religion, a term used by M. N. Srinivas for Hinduism which is no more associated with caste or village. The present Hinduism is linked more with business, media, different prominent gurus and sects, pilgrimage, festivals, government rules (e.g., leave and LTC) and culture. What one sees today is therefore a modernized version of Hinduism. It is difficult to characterize it in definite terms. It is progressive and conservative at the same time. It supports and finds support from science. It is linked with Indian cultures in very intricate ways and it is greatly linked with politics too. During the freedom struggle religion played a significant role by providing meaning to war of independence, metaphors for social change, and visions of good society. Since country was partitioned into India and Pakistan on the basis of religion, Hinduism continued to shape the political visions of India, often influencing voting behavior and communal mobilizations, though the dominant political current in India places secularism (defined as paying equal respect to all religions and neutrality of state to religions and sects) above religion. As in the past, there is no single book, practice, belief system or leader which defines the essential characteristics of Hinduism. Yet, Hinduism is a living force. From time to time, leaders of different sects have come together for propagation of Hindu traditions, Hindu pride and Hindu ways of life. Hinduism is closely combined with health and psychological healing, and manifests in preaching of Yoga, meditation and social service.