RELIGIOUS FUNDAMENTALISM AS POLITICAL WEAPON: SOCIO-ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL FACTORS
Keywords:
Crisis in the Indian Economy, Use of Religion, COMMUNALISM, Various Responses, R.S.S. (RASHTRIYA SWAYAMSEVAK SANGH)- A POLITICAL TOOL IN THE HANDS OF THE MAJORITY (HINDU) COMMUNITY'S CAPITALIST CLASS, MUSLIM PERSONAL LAW AND ITS MANIPULATION BY THE RULING CLASSAbstract
Religious Fundamentalism as a popular phenomenon is of recent origin. It is particularly evident in societies which are not only economi- cally backward but are also going through a serious political crisis. The nature of the economic, political crisis is such that the dominant ruling classes are not able to solve it through strictly economic or political means. Yet, the urgency of the crisis calls for immediate action, and if it is not forthcoming, the very position of the dominant class as the ruling class will be in jeopardy. Hence the necessity to contain the economic and political upheavals by promoting fundamentalist meanings, practices and traditions among the aggrieved masses. When popular religions are used for this purpose, it is religious fundamentalism. Religious Fundamentalism. therefore, is a political weapon in the hands of the dominant ruling class of the society.
References
Mathew P.D. at al., op, cit., p, 20. 6. Qudeeer Imrana. op. cit., p, 32.
Mathew P.O. and Bakshi P. M. Muslim Marriages and Divots, Legal Education: Personal Law-3. Indian Social Institute. New Delhi. 1986. pp. 7-20.
Roy Ajit. "India After Indira," lecture given at the Indian Social Institute, Bangalore, on 23-4-1985, pp.4-6.
