New Books in Indian Religions Manu Pillai, "Gods, Guns and Missionaries: The Making of the Modern Hindu Identity" (Allen Lane, 2025)
Mar 6, 2025
Manu Pillai, a prominent historian and author, dives into the complexities of Hindu identity throughout history. He explores how Hinduism evolved amidst colonial encounters and interactions with missionaries, illuminating the cultural shifts in Goa under Portuguese rule. Pillai discusses key figures like Raja Ram Mohan Roy, who advocated for reform, and delves into the intricate ties between caste, nationalism, and modern Hindu identity. His insights reveal how historical narratives continue to shape contemporary understandings of Hinduism.
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Defining Hinduism
- Hinduism isn't defined by a single book, unlike Islam or Christianity.
- It's a framework of diverse sects and traditions, evolving over time.
Hindu Identity Formation
- The term "Hinduism" emerged in the 18th century, used initially by a Westerner.
- Hindus adopted it to define themselves against other religions, initially Buddhism, Jainism, then Islam.
Early European Perceptions of Hinduism
- Early Europeans, upon seeing Hindu deities, often mistook them for devils due to their unfamiliar appearance.
- Their worldview only allowed for one path to God, anything else was deemed satanic.
