Decolonizing The Hindu Mind Book - Summary
“Decolonizing the Hindu Mind: Ideological Development of Hindu Revivalism” is an important book by Dr. Koenraad Elst, a Belgian Indologist. This book dives deep into the ideological growth of Hindu nationalism and examines the impact of Western ideas on the Hindu mind.
Understanding Hindu Revivalism
The ideological aspects of Hindu revivalism are often misrepresented or overlooked in current discussions. By carefully analysing the viewpoints of its supporters and their challenges to the current secular structure, Dr. Koenraad Elst offers a clear picture of the thoughts driving this movement. This study particularly focuses on the swift political changes that allowed the BJP to grow from just 21 Lok Sabha seats in 1984 to 179 seats, which enabled it to create a coalition government at the Centre in 1998.
The Impact of Western Thought
“Decolonizing the Hindu Mind” provides a thought-provoking and detailed look at the ideological conflicts within Hinduism after colonial rule. Elst encourages Hindus to question the stories told by colonial powers and to rediscover their rich cultural heritage. The book has had a significant influence on those interested in Hindu nationalism and has ignited meaningful discussions about how colonialism has shaped modern Hindu identity.
For those who want to learn more, a PDF version of “Decolonizing the Hindu Mind” is available for download. Ensure to download the PDF for a comprehensive understanding of these important themes.
