Vedic India And Later
India encompasses history of a civilization that goes back five thousand years. The best thing that happened to India of old..is subsistence in extremely rich natural surrounds. Dependence and hence productive relationship with nature was instrumental behind creation of the existential framework that we call the Indus Valley Civilization. And in spite of exotic ideologies and modernity that prevails besides...the ethos still persists amongst us.
Vedic culture albeit has a murky existence in the convoluted labyrinth of our minds in the contemporary era, nevertheless it is very much apparent in our belief systems across the subcontinent. The widespread practice of rites and rituals which express affinity with agrarian practices and sugar coated principles that some historians and those opposing refer to as myths is suggestive of an old system that has aged through years attributing extensive tolerance and faith in non violence besides acceptance of ethnic and ideological diversity.
All these attributes are colors of the living in a harmonious environment that has accorded impressive growth and development post independence. Not that the subcontinent was underdeveloped in the historic era before the foreign invaders charged upon us and the squabbles of indigenous rulers began. The latter did not erode our systems albeit they lead us to penury and made us susceptible to overseas invaders.
The servile existence through the period of internecine wars and intermittent rules and subsequent emergence is a sign of resilience that we have inculcated during the earlier ancient Vedic period... the traits are very much among us till date. Take for example aggressive postures in our neighbourhood and our positive approach.
Although the country went through wars and ravage which occurred frequently... peace prevailed subsequently with emergence of intrinsic ethos that were formed during the Vedic period. Even till this date they prevail and shape our reasoning and logic.
The exact civilisation status (Indus Valley) is made out of clay tablets and some archaeological sites. Nevertheless the Vedic scriptures are a robust pointers to the belief systems and practices that developed and subsequently prevailed in India and is prominent even in the contemporary.
Emergence of Thought
A thought so powerful that it reigned over many neighboring and Far East civilizations for a considerable period till the start of Islamic invasions. Nevertheless the ethos never died and still persists in one form or other among us.
From nature we have learned to respect and accept diversity in all forms including in the society. The proclivity towards nature, and a value system that accords respect to its various elements labeling them sacred and worthy of belief is an inclusive trait which teaches us to accept our environment holistically.
Hinduism
It is these comprehensive set of beliefs that have led to evolution of Hinduism. It is an ecosystems in which many related beliefs have successfully flourished and still do. Hinduism is an inclusive ideology that accepts the exotic with ease or with minor turbulence in case of assertive dominance or proselytization.
Nevertheless a value system with proclivity towards nature besides the prevailing modern religious ecosystem could have emerged only in non volatile circumstances. The existence of diverse spectrum of practices and micro-beliefs within one ecosystem stands testimony. India can never accept one overriding belief that is a characteristic of theocracy.
Pluralistic Ethos
Pluralism will prevail like it does today and it is strongly solidified with the system that is seeing light in many developed countries as the need of the hour. The World will eventually be a pluralistic society even Nations that are solidly entrenched in theocracy or totalitarian ideologies accept in some manner or another the secular principle of India's democracy.
Modern Religion
What emerged was not animistic or a primitive source of beliefs but a modern religion that accorded right values to immediate surroundings that carried over a profound impact on the lives of the people. Diversity and Pluralism should prevail and be accepted as an existential phenomenon that is proactive and harmonious until unless extremism steps in.
India has benefited from its diverse profile and inclusiveness. Indian democracy today encompasses the secular and inclusive principle of Nationhood. Jai Hind!
