Sanatana Dharma’s historical resilience

Inspiration for protecting sanatana dharma is especially needed when we hear news about the kind of atrocities being perpetrated and the threats being faced by Hindus in some parts of the world. Today, we will discuss, from a historical perspective, how the traditions now known as Hinduism have a legacy of incredible resilience. This discussion will be in three parts: first, the medieval times when the threat of radicalism became extremely prominent; second, the pre-independence and post-independence periods; and third, contemporary times.

Medieval times

Let’s begin with the medieval times. To put these times in Vedic scriptural context, as described in the Vedic tradition, we see a recurring theme of threats to dharma. When there is a decline of dharma and an increase in depravity and atrocities, the Lord descends to restore order (Bhagavad-gita 4.8). One graphic example is Lord Rama’s encounter with demons who had created a mountain of bones from the sages they had devoured. Agonized and angered, Lord Rama resolved to rid the world of such malevolent forces. This portrayal is a sobering reminder of the harsh nature of this world.

The threat of radicalism

The specific threat that challenged and continues to challenge sanatana dharma is religious radicalism, especially in its intolerant and destructive forms. This threat emerged during the medieval era, particularly with the advent of Islamic expansionism. It is essential to distinguish between Islam, which enables individual spiritual practice, and Islamism, an overtly political and often intolerant ideology. The latter posed a significant threat during the invasions of the second millennium.

Initially, the invaders were raiders, looting and departing. However, India’s prosperity, rooted in decentralized village economies, quickly recovered despite the sacking of cities and temples. This resilience is evidenced by the repeated rebuilding of iconic temples like the Kashi Vishwanath Temple. The invasions transformed over time, with raiders giving way to occupiers. While some rulers were brutally oppressive, others established a precarious truce, imposing discriminatory taxes like jizya on Hindus.

Resilience – Cultural and Political

Despite these adversities, Hinduism not only survived but also adapted and flourished. The bhakti tradition blossomed during this period, emphasizing decentralized and individual devotion. Bhakti’s focus on personal connection with the divine allowed practitioners to transcend the need for large temples or elaborate rituals—structures that were vulnerable to destruction. Bhakti saints inspired people through music, drama, and poetry, creating a spiritual renaissance amidst the turmoil.

Political resilience also played a vital role. Inspirational leaders like Krishnadeva Raya, Shivaji Maharaj, Maharana Pratap, and others fought heroically against invaders. Their resourcefulness and bravery kept the light of dharma alive. For instance, Shivaji, inspired by saints like Samarth Ramdas and Sant Tukaram, built a robust state that extended its influence far and wide. The synthesis of bhakti inspiration and political action exemplifies a pragmatic and farsighted approach to resilience.

Through the medieval era, while there were some celebrated moments of supernatural intervention, the focus was primarily on human resilience. Individual practitioners cultivated spirituality, while capable leaders ensured collective survival. Despite the darkness of those times, the tradition endured, setting a precedent for resilience even in the face of grave challenges.

As compared to the immense challenges faced throughout history, the threats faced today are significantly smaller. By the resilience of the tradition, and the resourcefulness of its adherents, we have survived greater adversities. With this inspiration, we can confidently navigate and thrive through the challenges of our times.

Modernity & Indian Independence

Let’s now shift our focus to the pre-independence and post-independence periods.

As India entered modern times, the nature of the challenge transformed. The same radicalism that had manifested as political aggression during Islamist expansionism now came in a more subtle, refined form, but was still exclusivist and intolerant: colonialism. Initially driven by materialistic and financial motives, colonialism soon became a vehicle for Christian missionaries attempting to convert India, which they viewed as a land of “pagan” religions.

Indian Renaissance

These missionaries first sought to demonize and criticize native traditions and practices, but the deep-rooted faith of the people resisted such attempts. Failing in direct confrontation, they turned to education to undermine Hindu self-confidence in their own traditions. By teaching Indians to view their own traditions with ridicule and contempt, they hoped to erode faith from within.

However, a remarkable phenomenon emerged, particularly in Bengal during the late 18th and early 19th centuries. A wave of leaders, instead of rejecting dharma in favor of Christianity or secular rationality, delved into their traditions to find what was essential, universal, and transcendent. This sparked a significant chapter of recovery and resurgence within sanatana dharma.

Across the broad spectrum of Hindu thought, many spiritual leaders sought to reconcile modern and traditional perspectives, creating harmony between them. Unlike the near-total conversions or cultural erasures seen in Africa, the Americas, and Australia under similar missionary pressures, India’s traditions endured. While some did lose faith, the resilience of sanatana dharma ensured survival and even revival. This resilience was inspired by both intellectual and spiritual leaders who preserved and propagated the tradition’s essence.

Several leaders who later pioneered India’s independence struggle viewed it not just as a political movement but as a civilizational and spiritual effort to reestablish dharma. The struggle for independence was rooted in spiritual philosophy and cultural pride. The independence movement marked a new phase of mass political mobilization. For the first time, grassroots activism for political change spread widely, driven by civilizational awakening. While the nonviolent resistance led by Mahatma Gandhi inspired many, the contributions of the Indian National Army and other armed efforts forced the British to relinquish control, especially after World War II. The Empire, which had won two world wars partly due to Indian participation, could no longer hold onto India.

Partition and Emigration

This newfound independence, however, came at a tremendous cost. Partition led to immense violence, displacement, and suffering. Millions were killed or displaced, and this catastrophe cast a long shadow over the newly independent nation. The Indian government, seeking to prevent further unrest, sidelined religion, viewing it as a potential source of instability.

The assassination of Gandhi was labeled as an act of Hindu extremism and used by the Indian government to specifically marginalize Hinduism in the public sphere. Secularism became the dominant narrative, and socialism guided India’s developmental policies. While India did not adopt the aggressively anti-religious stance of communist regimes, religion was certainly not encouraged. This was a setback for a tradition whose independence struggle had been deeply rooted in spirituality. Despite these challenges, the faith of the masses remained resilient.

Additionally, the 1950s, 60s, and 70s saw caste politics emerge as a significant factor, leading to divisions within Hindu society. Whereas caste was previously more about belonging to a social unit larger than a family, it became presented as a structure that could be used to highlight discrimination and capitalize politically through vote bank politics. Opportunistic politics branded sanatana dharma as inherently casteist, further marginalizing it. In South India, particularly, many upper-caste Hindus faced persecution and were driven to emigrate.

Yet, even amid these difficulties, the tradition proved its resilience. Indians who migrated abroad took their traditions with them, thriving in new environments. Today, Indian Hindus are recognized as high achievers and model citizens in many Western countries, especially in the United States. Social and political commentators in America often cite Indian immigrants as an example of successful integration and contribution to society.

The spiritual dimension of Hinduism also found widespread acceptance in the West. Yoga, once seen as an exotic practice, became mainstream. Concepts like karma gained recognition, and Indian spirituality was celebrated for its universality and inclusiveness. Despite political challenges in India, sanatana dharma flourished globally, bringing its wisdom to the world.

The present and the future

While India has faced political and social obstacles, the spiritual core of its traditions continues to inspire and guide millions, both in India and worldwide. And that core became stronger in India with time.

The Rama temple: from sidelining to mainstreaming

One of the most dramatic manifestations of this resilience is the building of the Ram Mandir. The effort to rebuild this sacred temple was demonized for decades as religious extremism. Yet, the Ram Mandir’s reconstruction represents the culmination of a long struggle against systematic sidelining and discrimination.

India’s secularism, blended with political opportunism, created a toxic environment that targeted Hinduism while claiming impartiality. While secularism generally meant neutrality of the state toward religion, the addition of the leftist framework to the mix portrayed Hinduism as the majority religion to be the exploiter and other traditions in India being in minority as the exploited. Ironically, within Hindu society, Brahmins, often criticized as oppressors, have always been a numerical minority. Nonetheless, that secularist-leftist framework fueled the building of a historical narrative in textbooks, which erased or downplayed the atrocities faced during the medieval period, including the destruction of temples and the persecution of Hindus. These omissions were justified under the guise of preserving communal harmony.

Despite such distortions, the spirit of resilience among Hindus remained irrepressible. Indians who emigrated to the West carried their traditions with them and expressed them in remarkable ways. Over the last 70 years, Hindus have built more temples globally than were constructed in the preceding 500 years. These temples are not merely architectural marvels but also symbols of cultural pride and continuity. The rebuilding of the Ram Mandir stands out as an emblem of civilizational healing, achieved not through violence but through judicial processes.

The fight to reclaim Hindu temples from government control is another area where change is slowly but steadily occurring. In a secular country like India, where only Hindu temples remain under state control, this inequity represents a glaring injustice. The success of the Sri Padmanabha Swami temple in gaining autonomy can serve as a tangible example of what is possible. Judicial and peaceful means, as have proven effective in this case, can provide a blueprint for future actions.

Auspicious augurs

While this achievement is remarkable, much more remains to be done. Protecting and promoting sanatana dharma goes beyond constructing temples. It requires fostering individual spiritual growth and collective cultural awareness. This awareness is increasingly visible in popular culture. For decades, Bollywood portrayed non-Hindu religions in a positive light while depicting Hindu traditions critically. However, recent movies have begun showcasing the heroism of Hindu rulers and celebrating Hindu motifs and themes.

The enduring popularity of televised epics like the Ramayana during the pandemic revealed the deep connection many Indians still have with their spiritual roots. At an individual level, Hindus have demonstrated extraordinary resilience, finding ways to thrive despite adverse circumstances.

With India’s rising global stature, it is time to focus not just on individual progress but on collective growth. Recognizing the threats to sanatana dharma, whether from Islamist aggression, Christian conversion efforts, or leftist narratives, requires political advocacy and a unified response.

One pertinent model is that of the Jewish community. Despite centuries of persecution, culminating in the Holocaust, the Jewish people have demonstrated extraordinary resilience. The creation of Israel and the strong sense of community among Jews worldwide exemplify how a shared heritage can be preserved and protected. Hindus, with their greater numbers and a richer historical legacy grounded in a country where they still have majority influence, can draw lessons from this model.

To achieve collective growth, Hindus need to cultivate an awareness of shared identity while respecting individual diversity. Differences in caste, regional traditions, and specifics of worship need not overshadow the overarching unity of dharma. This collective consciousness is vital for navigating contemporary challenges.

Sanatana dharma is not merely a religion; it is a culture, a civilization, and a heritage. Protecting it is not just about preserving a legacy but also about offering enduring wisdom and benefits to the world.

Activate the inner Arjuna

The Bhagavad-gita calls upon each of us to embrace the spirit of Arjuna, taking up the fight in a spirit of service. Whether this means committing to personal spiritual growth, advocating for dharma in intellectual forums, or participating in cultural revival, every effort matters.

While not everyone may join political or cultural causes, every individual can contribute to the protection of dharma in their own way. By deepening their spiritual practices, explaining the faith to others with intellectual and logical clarity, and understanding the intersection of tradition and modernity, individuals can become advocates for sanatana dharma.

As Krishna reassured Arjuna in the Bhagavad-gita (18.78), when we act in service to dharma, success, prosperity, and glory will follow. Through our collective efforts, the long history of resilience in sanatana dharma will continue, inspiring future generations to uphold and cherish this timeless tradition.

The story of resilience is far from over—it lives on through us and will illuminate the path for generations to come.