‘Culture war’ is a term that originated with the nineteenth-century German nation-builder Otto von Bismarck, who initiated a struggle with the Church on control over education, and called it ‘Kulturkampf’ (culture war). The same issue-minus the Church-is a contentious one in India, with both the history curriculum and the allotment of authority over education being much discussed. Other themes partly overlap with and partly differ from those in the culture wars in the US, where the term has gained currency to designate the debate between modern and religious worldviews. Specific to India are the debates about the definition of Hinduism and secularism, and the antagonisms within both. In a country where religion is inextricably woven into the social fabric, and multiple stratifications exist, ‘culture’ becomes a pervasive reality in every sphere of life. In this context, culture wars assume a significance of great consequence-both immediate and far reaching. In Hindu Dharma and the Culture Wars, Koenraad Elst broaches a discussion on Hindu ideology, Hindutva and the Indian national identity, hoping to take this uniquely national conversation forward.
About the Author
Dr KOENRAAD ELST holds post-graduate degrees in Sinology, Indology and Philosophy, and a doctorate in Oriental Studies with a dissertation on Hindu Nationalism. While intermittently employed in political journalism and as foreign policy adviser in the Belgian Senate, his scholarly research earned him both laurels and ostracism. His numerous publications concern Asian philosophies, language policy, democracy, Indo-European origins, Vedic history, and the interface of religion and politics, including the Ayodhya dispute and marketing campaigns for various political parties, prominent development sector companies, leading Indian conglomerates and multinational companies.
