RELIGIOUS REVIVALISM (KEY POINTS TO REMEMBER)

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UPSC Sociology Mains Syllabus

PAPER- 2
INDIAN SOCIETY : STRUCTURE AND CHANGE
A. Introducing Indian Society:B. Social Structure:
Chapter 6
(a) Religious communities in India.
(b) Problems of religious minorities.

  • A term applied to mass movements which are based upon intense religious excitement.
  • Periodic religious revivals, which seek to restore commitment and attachment to the group, are a regular sociological feature of religious traditions.
  • Increase of importance of religion in civic life.

REASONS FOR RELIGIOUS REVIVALISM

  • Modernisation irked a reactionary response from orthodox section.
  • Historically, British supported the orthodox elements in self-interest.
  • Multitudes of religion and sects fuel revivalist tendencies.
  • Trying to reach out to the glory of the past.
  • Modern means of communication aiding in mobilisation of the group.
  • Growth of ideological institutions.
  • Mixing religion with politics.
  • Poverty, inequality and injustice contribute towards growth of religion.
  • Vested interests of the dominant community.
  • Communalism and fundamentalism.

CONSEQUENCES

  • Positive result is that religion might forego some of its corrupted forms or practice.
  • Social tension and communal incidents.
  • Multiple identities and complicated political scenario like increase in votebank politics.
  • Many god-men and god-women exploit the masses.
  • Less inclination towards secularism.
  • Religious texts are taken at face value.
  • Other religions get insecure and tend to turn to religious revivalism.
  • Diversion from more compelling social issues.

EXAMPLES OF RELIGIOUS REVIVALISM IN INDIA

  • The rise of the Arya Samaj and the Brahmo Samaj movements in India in the 19th century was a response to the growing British presence in India and the British challenge to Hindu traditions.
  • These movements paved the way for other NRMs, including Ramakrishna’s Vedanta movement, which sought to make Vedanta philosophy and practice accessible to a Western audience.
  • A second such movement was the Transcendental Meditation movement of Maharishi Mahesh Yogi.
  • A third new religion, with strong ties to the 12th-century Bhakti movement, was the Hare Krishna movement.
  • Yet another was the cult founded by Bhagwan Shree Rajneesh, who was also known as Acharya Rajneesh and, later, as Osho.