ABOUT THE BOOK

The phenomenon of Religion and Godmen has become a very compelling topic in current times. While the tradition of clergy and saints has been fairly old the Godmen of present times are a newer addition. Their mass following, their hypnotic appeal and massive wealth is there for all to see. This volume brings together some of the thought provoking essays on the trend of current Godmen in India. The root of the understanding them is ingrained in multiple essays dealing with Religion as a social phenomenon through the ages. Religion’s multiple aspects have been outlined by some of the essays. In some essays the Ram story, the most widely prevalent mythological story in South Asia, has been given a deep treatment. Gita, currently projected as the Hindu scripture has been analyzed, while the syncretic tradition of India, the Bhakti and Sufi traditions have been presented outlining their humane contribution to the society. Essays on Hinduism, Hindutva try to unravel the phenomenon, which are dominating the contemporary Indian scenario.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

Dr. Uday Mehta is a sociologist with broad interdisciplinary background. He received his SSA and Ph. D from Tata Institute of Social Sciences and Mumbai University. He has contributed to the field of sociology through many of his books such as Agrarian Strategies in India, State Secularism and Religion: Western and Indian Experience (C0-editer: Asgar Ali Engineer), and Modern Godmen in India. His most recent publications are Sectarianism, Politics and Development and Secularism in India, Concepts and Practices (co-editors: Ram Puniyani).

Ram Puniyani, a former Professor IIT Bombay is currently engaged with issues of democratic and human rights. Has been associated with various initiatives for promotion of plural values and defence of principles of Indian Constitution. Is currently Chairman of Centre of Study of Society and Secularism. Conducts workshops on issues of threats to Indian Democracy and National integration. Has been part of peoples tribunals on issues of communal violence and arrest of innocents in the name of terrorist violence. Has written several books, Communal Politics: Facts Versus Myths (Sage, 2003), Deconstructing Terrorist Violence (Sage 2015), Indian Nationalism versus Hindu Nationalism (Pharos 2014), Contours of Hindu Rashtra (Kalpaz), Communal Threat to Secular Democracy (Kalpaz) Edited: Religion, Power and Violence (SAGE, 2005), Mumbai: Post 26/11(with Shabnam Hashmi): (Sage, 2009), Secularism in India (with Uday Mehta) (Kalpaz) among others. Has worked on the comic books, Explained Series (Communalism, Terrorism, Godmen) along with Sharad Sharma. Recipient of Indira Gandhi National Integration Award (2006), National Communal Harmony Award (2007) and Mukundan C. Menon Human Rights award (2015) among others.

CONTENTS

Foreword ................................................................................... 9

Acknowledgements ................................................................. 11

Introduction ............................................................................. 13

Section - A
GODMEN IN INDIA

1. Gurus in India: Historical Perspective .................. 35
— UDAY MEHTA
• Cult of Renouncers in Indian Society • The Mid-first Millennium B.C. and Proliferation of Sects • The Tantric- Yogic Combination • The Bhakti Movement in South India • Warkari Movement in Maharashtra • Bhakti Movement in North India • Godmen, Gurus in Post-independent India • Post-eighties Spread.

2. Modern Godmen: Sociological Appraisal ............... 55
— UDAY MEHTA
• Historical Resume • Origin and Relevance of Gurus • The Gurus in Upanishads • Two Parallel Religious Traditions • Tantric Tradition • The Siddhacaryas, Buddhist Tantric Influence • Tantrism and the Natha Siddha Tradition • Medieval Period – Bhakti Movement • Advent of the British Rule and Guru Phenomenon • Post Independence Period.

3. Ungodly Men, Unholy Activities ............................ 75
— PROFESSOR K. N. PANIKKAR

4. Religion, Politics and God Men ............................. 81
— RAM PUNIYANI
• Politics Today • Religion: Mirror of Society • Clergy and Saints • India: Bhakti and Sufi Traditions • Kabir: Nanak • Current Times • Shankaracharya • Baba Ramdeo • God men • Saints • Conclusion • References.

Section - B
RELIGION IN INDIA

5. Religion, Ideology and Society ............................ 101
— KRISHNA MOHAN SHRIMALI
• Methodology of the ‘Science of Religion’ • Studies on Indian Religions • Religion as Ideology • Max Muller’s Influence • A Perspective • The Role of Bhakti • The Material Milieu • Ecological Approach to Religion • The Geography of Religion • On the Notions of Death • The Study of Sacred Sites • The Marxist Approach • The Base-Superstructure Relationship • Notes and References.

6. Critique of Hinduism Approaches to Hinduism ... 179
— LAXMAN SHASTRI JOSHI
• Nature of Hinduism • Hindu Philosophy of History • Hinduism-An Historical View • Recent Developments in Hinduism.

7. The Historical Development of the Bhagvad-gita ......... 243
— DAMODAR DHARMANAND KOSAMBI

8. Ramayanas ....................................................... 267
— NAGIN DAS SANGHAVI

Section - C
RELIGION AND POLITICS IN CONTEMPORARY INDIA

9. Role of Hinduism in Modern Indian Society ........ 281
— UDAY MEHTA
• Marxist View • Religion in Modern Indian Society • Nineteenth Century Religio-Reform Movement and Modern
Hinduism.

10. Undermining National Institutions to Create Regimented Minds ............................................. 297
— IRFAN ENGINEER

11. Hindutva Politics and Democratic Norms ........... 305
— RAM PUNIYANI

Section - D
RELIGION AND LIBERATION THEOLOGY

12. Religion and the Left: An Introduction ................ 327
— CORNEL WEST
• Religion and Marxist Theory • Religion and Marxist Politics • Religion and Marxist Strategy.

13. Religion, Ideology and Liberation Theology: An Islamic Point of View..................................... 339
— ASGHAR ALI ENGINEER

14. Sufism – Its Origin and Impact on Indian Islam .. 355
— ASGHAR ALI ENGINEER

15. Syncretism – Indian Context A Sociological Appraisal ........................................................... 361
— UDAY MEHTA
• Syncretism: Variety of Interpretations • Concepts Contesting Syncretism • The Syncretic Discourse - Its Relevance
• References.

Bibliography .......................................................... 375

Index ...................................................................... 379