Introduction
The Concept of an Indian Identity and Mindset continues....

The Concept of Hindustan

Hinduism, known as sanatana dharma is unique in that in all the world, it has had a continuous and unbroken tradition for the longest time; and it is a religion constituted by its theology, cultural ethos, and civilizational history. India’s Hindu society is founded on the content of these three constituents. Hindustan, as India is known abroad even today [e.g., Yindu guo in Chinese, Hind in Arabic], as a concept is defined as a nation of Hindus and those others in the nation who accept that their ancestors are Hindus and revere that legacy. Parsis, Jews, Syrian Christians come in a special category of Hindustanis, those who were welcomed by Hindus since they came to our country seeking refuge from persecution in their own lands abroad, and who willingly accepted to abide by, and adopt certain cultural customs of Hindus. To the credit of Parsis, they have never demanded any special privileges as a minority. They had even rejected privileges and quotas offered to them by the British imperialists saying that they were comfortable with Hindus.

The Hindu ethos provided a sanctuary and home to those of other faiths fleeing from their countries due to religious persecution. Parsis, Jews and Syrian Christians are among those religious groups who had sought refuge in India, and survived because the Hindus looked after them. These three religious communities have had (and have today) a disproportionate share in power and wealth in Indian society, but Hindus have no resentment about this. These minorities had come to India in search of peace, and they found a safe haven in the midst of Hindu society. Parsis migrated elsewhere in the world too, but disappeared as a community in those countries; Jews have openly acknowledged that India is the only country where they were not persecuted. Syrian Christians too are today completely integrated into India. Even early Arab Muslim travelers who came peacefully to settle in Kerala were taken into Hindu families, and hence called Mapillai [meaning son-in-law—Moplah in English].


to be continued.....


( This account is maintained by Har Anand Publication)