Contesting Symbols and Stereotypes : Essays On Indian History and Culture

Contents: Preface. 1. Stereotypes and history. 2. Questioning the symbols. 3. Diversity of epic traditions. 4. Nudity and sexuality: divine and human.
 
The construction of Hindu religious identity began in the late nineteenth century and has continued unabated. Accompanied by the demonization of minorities, especially Muslims, and the creation and propagation of absurd ideas about Hinduism, the Hindu identity has become increasingly aggressive in its manifestations. Its ideologues incessantly try to create fanciful stereotypes about Hinduism and redefining its boundaries is their monomania. By projecting Rama as the supreme God, denying the diversity of religious beliefs and practices negating the plurality of epic traditions, and by appropriating and inventing cultural symbols of questionable Hindu association, they present a grossly falsified view of India’s past. (jacket)