“Brahmanism and Capitalism, these two are the real enemies of the workers” -B.R Ambedkar
The colonial legacy of religion continues to influence the state and its institutions because the confusion they cause in society benefits the ruling class. The ideas of the ruling class become the ruling ideas of society. Those who are ruled internalise the ideas of the ruling class through a shaping of consensus by the ruling class. As outlined by Antonio Gramsci in his concept of hegemony. Yet, as society and material conditions change the ruling ideas also adapt with the times.
The dominant religious thought in this country are the beliefs and practices within Hinduism. Though there are many different beliefs within Hinduism the strength and dominance of Brahmanism has the most significant impact on Indian society. It is the root of the caste system, with its foundation in a society divided into varnas. In reality Hindu beliefs can be very distinct from each other and vary across regions. However, Brahmanist ideas have evolved over time and are part of movements with the express intent to create a uniform idea of Hinduism. Chief among these is the picture of Hinduism pushed forward by the fascist Hindu nationalists of the Sangh Parivar. Brahmanism is simply not the domination of the “Brahmin” as it has infiltrated all castes and classes. For example among many Christian communities caste discrimination still exists between Dalit converts and upper caste Christians. Like this many who are not “Brahmin” are accepted into the hierarchy to continue the system. Much more can be written on the extent Brahmanism has infected Indian society that cannot fit within the bounds of a Spark article. I highly recommend reading Critiquing Brahmanism by K. Murali.
“Religious fundamentalism of all types promotes patriarchy and other backward values, and must therefore be generally countered by all democratic and revolutionary forces.” – Anuradha Ghandy
The ruling classes use Brahmanical ideas to assert control over the masses. The varna system and Hindu nationalist narratives keep the masses divided and living in fear. Another way in which religion exerts control is in the reinforcement of patriarchal structures. The subjugation of women through feudal value systems is a hallmark of religious fundamentalism. All religions in India have some form of patriarchal structure explicitly ingrained in its beliefs. They champion conservative moral codes and the oppressive social arrangements they uphold. Even in those with less obvious oppression, the characteristics of the ruling Brahamanical patriarchy find themselves reflected in practice. Religious fundamentalism asserts a desire to control the lives and choices of women. Reducing them to objects of religious honour and the heart of a struggle against other religions. So, they look to control relationships, marriages, education, work and many other aspects of life propping up patriarchal structures.
When I feed the poor, they call me a saint, but when I ask why the poor are hungry, they call me a communist. – Dom Helder Camara
Yet, despite its use by the ruling class, religion has also been used as a way to liberate the masses. Many in the Dalit community converting to Buddhism as a rejection of the Brahmanical caste system is the most obvious example of this. Similarly the Dalit theology movement within the Church of North India aimed at challenging Brahmanical dominance within Christianity. Stan Swamy’s position as a Jesuit priest allowed him to reach out to marginalised communities and build bridges across society.
Religious philanthropic endeavours even if they come with a certain baggage are still better than the CSR landscape. Even in Bangalore the venue in which many Spark events have been held is Ashirwad hall, an initiative by local Jesuits to provide a space for all religions and ideas. It is important to situate any critique of Religion within the context that it can also be used as a tool against the ruling class.
It is doubly important to temper critique of religious fundamentalism within the political and social context of India. Religious fundamentalism in Islam and other religions often emerge from a siege mentality imposed on it by oppression from the dominant Hindutva narrative. It is important to criticise fundamentalism in minority communities but also understand the larger threat of ruling class domination. We must critique feudal and backward values but also fight together against the ruling elite. So, with things as they are, what is the path forward?
“The most important thing is to know how to awaken in the still undeveloped masses an intelligent attitude towards religious questions and an intelligent criticism of religions.” – Lenin
We must break the superstructure that props up the capitalist system. This means directly challenging the religious beliefs and fundamentalism that the ruling elite use to divide us to keep the masses unaware of the true cause of their oppression. To do this we must engage in religious critique that has a truly secular and rational foundation. We need to continue to challenge backward and feudal ideas wherever we find them. We must study and educate ourselves and the masses to shed the illusion of religion. To look straight at the horrors of capitalist exploitation. To lead the struggle against it. We must dream not just for a heaven or spiritual enlightenment after death, but dream for a better society. Now and in the future.
