Page 88 - Encyclopedia Of World History Vol III

hinduism 907

theory and practice of government. Kings were usually The Indian struggle for independence from the British
Kshatriyas, but Brahmans had great influence as advisers in the twentieth century was fought by many for the pur-
and ministers. One of the aims of the Hindu awakening pose of reviving Hindu civilization. Jawaharlal Nehru
that began in the early twentieth century was to reestab- (1889–1964), the first prime minister of India (1947–
lish Hindu dominion after centuries of rule by non- 1964), advocated secular socialism and state-promoted
Hindus.The Hindu Mahasabha, the first modern Hindu industrialization, calling steel mills and hydroelectric dams
political party, proclaimed in its manifesto: “Hindus have the “temples of the new India,” but under his successors
a right to live in peace as Hindus, to legislate, to rule the revitalization of Hindu culture became a major issue.
themselves in accordance with Hindu genius and ideals In former centuries Hindu rulers built temples and
and establish by all lawful and legal means a Hindu supported religious endowments. Today government-
State, based on Hindu culture and tradition, so that appointed temple boards oversee the activities and budgets
Hindu ideology and way of life would have a homeland of most large temples. Businesspeople and industrialists,
of its own” (Pattabhiram 1967, 217). together with the followers of famous gurus, found new

Although Hinduism is often associated with monumental architecture and intricate carvings
and sculpture, many Hindus worship in small temples like this roadside one in Cennai
(Madras).