149-625: Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha ( lit. ' All-India Hindu Grand Assembly ' ) is a Hindu nationalist political party in India . Founded in 1915 by Madan Mohan Malviya , the Mahasabha functioned mainly as a pressure group advocating the interests of Orthodox Hindus before the British Raj from within the Indian National Congress . In the 1930s, it emerged as a distinct party under
298-678: A separatist ideology . Hindutva is championed by the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the Hindu Nationalist volunteer organisation Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Sanatan Sanstha , the Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), and other organisations in an ecosystem called the Sangh Parivar . In the first half of the 20th century, factions of Indian National Congress continued to be identified with "Hindu politics" and ideas of
447-614: A 'dead letter'. On 11 July 1949, the Government of India lifted the ban on the RSS by issuing a communique stating that the decision to lift the ban on the RSS had been taken in view of the RSS leader Golwalkar's undertaking to make the group's loyalty towards the Constitution of India and acceptance and respect towards the National Flag of India more explicit in the Constitution of the RSS, which
596-404: A 310,562 population (2011). Males constitute 54% of the population and females, 46%. Haridwar has an average literacy rate of 70%, higher than the national average of 59.5%: male literacy is 75%, and female literacy is 64%. In Haridwar, 12% of the population is under six years of age. "Haridvāre Kuśāvarte Bilvake Nīla parvate snatvā Kanakhale tīrth punarjanma na vidyate" In Hindu traditions,
745-479: A Bengali scholar, Ram Mohan Roy in 1828. Ram Mohan Roy endeavoured to create from the ancient Upanishadic texts, a vision of rationalist 'modern' India. Socially, he criticized the ongoing superstitions, and believed in a monotheistic Vedic religion. His major emphasis was social reform. He fought against Caste discrimination and advocated equal rights for women . Although the Brahmos found favourable responses from
894-511: A British convoy aimed at British officer Kingsford. Both were arrested trying to flee. Aurobindo was also arrested on 2 May 1908 and sent to Alipore Jail . The report sent from Andrew Fraser , the then Lt Governor of Bengal to Lord Minto in England declared that although Sri Aurobindo came to Calcutta in 1906 as a Professor at the National College, "he has ever since been the principal advisor of
1043-585: A Hindu majority, the province of East Bengal and Assam was mostly Muslim. The British administration justified the division for religious reasons. The formation of the All India Muslim League in 1906 and the British India government's creation of separate Muslim electorate under the Morley-Minto reforms of 1909 was a catalyst for Hindu leaders coming together to create an organisation to protect
1192-634: A Hindu nation. The word "Hindu", throughout history, had been used as an inclusive description that lacked a definition and was used to refer to the native traditions and people of India. It was only in the late 18th century that the word "Hindu" came to be used extensively with religious connotation, while still being used as a synecdoche describing the indigenous traditions. Hindu nationalist ideologies and political languages were very diverse both linguistically and socially. Since Hinduism does not represent an identifiable religious group, terms such as 'Hindu nationalism', and 'Hindu', are considered problematic in
1341-630: A Place of Hindoo Pilgrimage , Letitia Elizabeth Landon provides information on this name derivation, and also the story of the supposed origin of the 'River Ganges' . The accompanying plate is engraved from a painting by Samuel Prout In the scriptures, Haridwar has been variously mentioned as Kapilasthana, Gangadvāra and Mayapuri . It is also an entry point to the Char Dham (the four main centres of pilgrimage in Uttarakhand viz , Badrinath , Kedarnath , Gangotri , and Yamunotri ). "O Yudhishthira ,
1490-447: A basis for questioning colonialism. These also inspired Indian nationalists during the independence movement based on armed struggle, coercive politics, and non-violent protests. They also influenced social reform movements and economic thinking in India. Today, Hindutva (meaning ' Hinduness ' ) is a dominant form of Hindu nationalist politics in India. As a political ideology,
1639-412: A constitution was drafted for RSS, which, however, initially did not meet any of Patel's demands. After a failed attempt to agitate again, eventually the RSS's constitution was amended according to Patel's wishes except the procedure for selecting the head of the organisation and the enrolment of pre-adolescents. However, the organisation's internal democracy which was written into its constitution, remained
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#17328450733311788-477: A discussion of the mass movement organised by the Congress. He expressed the apprehension that the movement would create internal disorder and will endanger internal security during the war by exciting popular feeling and he opined that any government in power has to suppress it, but that according to him could not be done only by persecution... In that letter, he mentioned item-wise the steps to be taken for dealing with
1937-618: A general conference of Hindu leaders from all over India during 1915 Kumbh Mela in Haridwar . Preparatory sessions of the All India Hindu Sabha were held at Haridwar (13 February 1915), Lucknow (17 February 1915) and Delhi (27 February 1915). In April 1915, Sarvadeshak (All India) Hindu Sabha was formed as an umbrella organisation of regional Hindu Sabhas, at the Kumbh Mela in Haridwar. Gandhi and Swami Shraddhanand were also present at
2086-509: A life of renounciate, the Anushilan Samiti declined. One of the revolutionaries, Bagha Jatin , who managed to escape the trial started a group which would be called Jugantar . Jugantar continued with its armed struggle against the colonial government, but the arrests of its key members and subsequent trials weakened its influence. Many of its members were imprisoned for life in the notorious Andaman Cellular jail. A revolutionary movement
2235-455: A major concept in Hindu nationalism. Madan Mohan Malviya , an educationist and a politician with the Indian National Congress was also a vociferous proponent of the philosophy of Bhagavad Gita (Bhagavad Gītā). He was the president of the Indian National Congress in the year 1909 and 1918. He was seen as a 'moderate' in the Congress and was also considered very close to Gandhi. He popularized
2384-408: A manner that in spite of the best efforts of the Congress, this movement will fail to take root in the province. It should be possible for us, especially responsible Ministers, to be able to tell the public that the freedom for which the Congress has started the movement, already belongs to the representatives of the people. In some spheres, it might be limited during the emergency. Indians have to trust
2533-476: A natural habitat of different species of migratory birds. Not only avid bird watchers, but the spot also welcomes a number of nature lovers and trekkers. Also, the spot of Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is visited by trekkers as it is situated close to many trekking routes in Haridwar. Visitors can also see the Shivalik Hills from the bird watching point and enjoy the sight of the snow-covered mountains which makes it to
2682-544: A privileged status in the Nepalese capital and they were also given greater access to the authorities after these events. Subsequently, Hinduisation became the main policy of the Kingdom of Nepal . Prof. Harka Gurung speculates that the presence of Islamic Mughal rule and Christian British rule in India compelled the foundation of Hindu Nationalism in the Kingdom of Nepal , to build a haven for Hindus there. The policies of
2831-667: A protest". In the North West Frontier Province, Hindu Mahasabha members joined hands with Sardar Aurang Zeb Khan of the Muslim League to form a government in 1943. The Mahasabha member of the cabinet was Finance Minister Mehr Chand Khanna . In Bengal, Hindu Mahasabha joined the Krishak Praja Party led Progressive Coalition ministry of Fazlul Haq in December 1941. Savarkar appreciated the successful functioning of
2980-519: A religion is not universal, it cannot be eternal. A narrow religion, a sectarian religion, an exclusive religion can live only for a limited time and a limited purpose. This is the one religion that can triumph over materialism by including and anticipating the discoveries of science and the speculations of philosophy. In 1910, he withdrew from political life and spent his remaining life doing spiritual exercises and writing. But his works kept inspiring revolutionaries and struggles for independence, including
3129-473: A religious one. Historian Baij Nath Puri writes that the Vijayanagar empire (1336–1646) "was the result of the Hindu nationalist movement against Muslim intrusion and domination of the south". The empire was also administered based on Hindu dharmasastras , and Vedas were the major sources of the prevailing law. Shivaji with his quests is noted to have foun a firm footing for Hindu nationalism in with
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#17328450733313278-408: A series of channels separated from each other called aits, most of which are well wooded. Other minor seasonal streams are Ranipur Rao, Pathri Rao, Ravi Rao, Harnaui Rao, Begham Nadi etc. A large part of the district is forested, and Rajaji National Park is within the bounds of the district, making it an ideal destination for wildlife and adventure lovers. Rajaji is accessible through different gates;
3427-429: A set of ancillaries in the region. The University of Roorkee , now IIT Roorkee , is one of the oldest and most prestigious institutes of learning in the fields of science and engineering. The Ganges emerges from the mountains to touch the plains. The water in the river Ganges is mostly clear and generally cold, except in the monsoon, during which soil from the upper regions flows down into it. The river Ganges flows in
3576-518: A single hierarchic civic code from the perspective of the Khas rulers. The Nepalese jati arrangement in terms of Hindu Varnashrama takes the Tagadhari to be the highest in the hierarchy. The ethnolinguistic group of people of Tamang , Sherpa and Tharu origin were tagged under the title Matwali ("Liquor Drinkers"), while those of Khas , Newari and Terai origin were termed Tagadhari ("Wearers of
3725-458: A state of servitude. He was part of the Anushilan Samiti , a revolutionary group working towards the goal of Indian independence In his brief political career spanning only four years, he led a delegation from Bengal to the Indian National Congress session of 1907 and contributed to the revolutionary newspaper Bande Mataram . In his famous Uttarpara Speech , he outlined the essence and
3874-404: A strict monotheism. This reinterpretation produced neo-Vedanta , in which Advaita Vedanta was combined with disciplines such as yoga and the concept of social service to attain perfection from the ascetic traditions in what Vivekananda called the "practical Vedanta". The practical side essentially included participation in social reform. He made Hindu spirituality, intellectually available to
4023-712: A temple for Nathuram Godse and to celebrate 30 January as a Shaurya Diwas ("Bravery Day"). A civil suit was filed in Pune Court asking for a ban on the documentary film. In September 2021, the state general secretary for Hindu Mahasabha in Karnataka, Dharmendra, threatened to kill Karnataka Chief Minister Basavaraj Bommai over the demolition of an unlicensed temple in Nanjangud , Mysuru, along with comments about killing Mahatma Gandhi. For these threats, he and two other associates, Rajesh Pavitran and Prem Poolali, were arrested. Although
4172-525: A threat to Hindus. She declared: "The population of Muslims and Christians is growing day by day. To rein in this, Union will have to impose emergency, and Muslims and Christians will have to be forced to undergo sterilization so that they can't increase their numbers". In April 2015, the general secretary of the Hindu Mahasabha Munna Kumar Shukla claimed that it is not illegal to attack a church and it does not violate any law. He requested
4321-599: A town as high up as Tehri , was considered a port city The headworks of the Ganges Canal system is located in Haridwar. The Upper Ganges Canal was opened in 1854 after the work began in April 1842, prompted by the famine of 1837–38. The unique feature of the canal is the half-kilometre-long aqueduct over the Solani river at Roorkee , which raises the canal 25 m (82 ft) above the original river. 'Haridwar Union Municipality'
4470-536: Is additionally a passage for the Chota Char Dham (the four principal pilgrim destinations in Uttarakhand). The modern name of the town has two spellings: Haridwar and Hardwar . Each of these names has its own connotation. In Sanskrit , the liturgical language of Hinduism, Hari means " Vishnu ", while dvāra means "gateway". So, Haridwar translates to "The Gateway to Vishnu". It earns this name because it
4619-491: Is believed that Bharthari came to Haridwar and meditated on the banks of the holy Ganges. When he died, his brother constructed a Ghat in his name, which later came to be known as Har Ki Pauri. The most sacred ghat within Har Ki Pauri is Brahmakund. The evening prayer ( Aarti ) at dusk offered to Goddess Ganga at Har Ki Pauri (steps of God Hara or Shiva) is an enchanting experience for any visitor. A spectacle of sound and colour
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4768-438: Is dedicated to the achievements of India's revered women, such as Radha , Mira , Savitri , Draupadi , Ahilya , Anusuya , Maitreyi , Gargi etc. The great saints from various religions, including Jainism , Sikhism , and Buddhism are featured on the fourth floor Sant Mandir . The assembly hall with walls depicting symbolic coexistence of all religions practised in India and paintings portraying history in various provinces
4917-522: Is developing beyond its religious importance with the fast-developing industrial estate of the State Industrial Development Corporation of Uttarakhand (SIDCUL), and the close by township of Bharat Heavy Electricals Limited (BHEL), as well as its affiliated ancillaries. Haridwar presents a kaleidoscope of Indian culture and development. In sacred writings, it has been differently specified as Kapilsthan, Gangadwar and Mayapuri. It
5066-445: Is found in the accounts of a Chinese traveller, Huan Tsang , who visited India in 629 CE. during the reign of King Harshavardhana (590–647) records Haridwar as 'Mo-yu-lo', the remains of which still exist at Mayapur, a little to the south of the modern town. Among the ruins are a fort and three temples, decorated with broken stone sculptures, he also mentions the presence of a temple, north of Mo-yu-lo called 'Gangadvara', Gateway of
5215-460: Is on the Ganges River near Har-Ki-Pauri Ghat. The barrage was originally built to aid irrigation but it also generates hydro-electric power and controls floods. The area behind the barrage is known as Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar. The place is popular among bird-loving tourists. The place is known for Siberian Cranes that can be spotted during the winter months at Laljiwala. In addition, the place is also
5364-595: Is said to have left his footprint on the stone that is set in the upper wall of Har Ki Pauri, where the Ganges touches it at all times. Haridwar came under the rule of the Maurya Empire (322–185 BCE), and later under the Kushan Empire (c. 1st–3rd centuries). Archaeological findings have proved that terra cotta culture dating between 1700 BCE and 1200 BCE existed in this region. First modern era written evidence of Haridwar
5513-478: Is seen when, after the ceremony, pilgrims float Diyas (floral floats with lamps) and incense on the river, commemorating their deceased ancestors. Thousands of people from all around the world do make a point to attend this prayer on their visit to Haridwar. A majority of present ghats were largely developed in the 1800s. On the night of Dussehra or a few days before that, the Ganga Canal is dried in Haridwar to clean
5662-515: Is situated at a height of 314 m (1,030 ft) from the sea level, between Shivalik Hills in the North and Northeast and the Ganges River in the South. Temperatures: For centuries when Hindu ancestors visited the holy town of Haridwar for any purpose which may have been for pilgrimage purposes or/and for cremation of their dead or for immersion of ashes and bones of their kin after cremation into
5811-490: Is situated on the fifth floor. The various forms of the Goddess Shakti can be seen on the sixth floor, whilst the seventh floor is devoted to all incarnations of Vishnu . The eighth floor holds the shrine of Shiva from which devotees can gain a view of Himalayas, Haridwar, and the campus of Sapta Sarovar . The temple was built under the former Shankaracharya Maha-Mandleshwar Swami Satyamitranand Giri Maharaj. Since
5960-496: Is typically the place where pilgrim's start their journey to visit a prominent temple of Vishnu – Badrinath . Similarly, Hara could also mean " Shiva ". Hence, Hardwar could stand for "Gateway to Shiva". Hardwar is also a typical place to start a pilgrim's journey in order to reach Mount Kailash , Kedarnath , the northernmost Jyotirlinga and one of the sites of the smaller Char Dham pilgrimage circuit – all important places for worship for Hindus. According to legend, it
6109-453: Is undoubtedly one of true democracy in which the meanest citizen could be sure of swift justice without an elaborate and costly procedure". He also emphasised that it meant respect for all religions: "My Hinduism teaches me to respect all religions. In this lies the secret of Ramarajya". While Gandhi had clarified that "by Ram Rajya I do not mean Hindu Raj. I mean by Ram Rajya, Divine Raj, the kingdom of God," his concept of "Rama Rajya" became
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6258-541: Is visited by devotees from all over the world, during the annual ' Urs ' festival, which is celebrated from 1st day of sighting the moon to 16th day of Rabi al-awwal month, in the Islamic calendar . At a distance of 3.5 km (2.2 mi) from Haridwar Junction Railway Station, Neel Dhara Pakshi Vihar is a bird-watching point situated at the Bhimgoda Barrage of Haridwar and has rich flora and fauna. The Bhimgoda Barrage
6407-659: The Baisakhi day in 1504 CE, he later also visited Kankhal en route to Kotdwara in Garhwal . Pandas of the Haridwar have been known to keep genealogy records of most of the Hindu population. Known as Vahis , these records are updated on each visit to the city, and are a repository of vast family trees of the family in North India. In the 16th century, the city came under the rule of the Mughals . Ain-e-Akbari , written by Abul Fazal in
6556-531: The Bengal Presidency was divided into West Bengal and East Pakistan . After the assassination of Mahatma Gandhi by Nathuram Godse , the Sangh Parivar was plunged into distress when the RSS was accused of involvement in his murder. Along with the conspirators and the assassin, Vinayak Damodar Savarkar was also arrested. The court acquitted Savarkar, and the RSS was found be to completely unlinked with
6705-582: The Bharatiya Mazdoor Sangh and political party Bharatiya Jana Sangh also grew into considerable prominence by the end of the decade. Another prominent development was the formation of the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP), an organisation of Hindu religious leaders, supported by the RSS, to unite the various Hindu religious denominations and to usher a social reform. The first VHP meeting in Mumbai
6854-604: The British House of commons , or the soviet rule of Russia or the Fascist rule of Italy or the Nazi rule of Germany . They have systems suited to their genius. We must have ours suited to ours. What that can be is more than I can tell. I have described it as Ramarajya i.e., sovereignty of the people based on pure moral authority." Gandhi emphasised that "Rāma Rājya" to him meant peace and justice, adding that "the ancient ideal of Ramarajya
7003-498: The British government and Westernized Indians, they were largely isolated from the larger Hindu society due to their intellectual Vedantic and Unitarian views. However their efforts to systematise Hindu spirituality based on rational and logical interpretation of the ancient Indian texts would be carried forward by other movements in Bengal and across India. Arya Samaj is considered one of
7152-583: The Constitution of India , accept the Tricolor as the National Flag of India, define the power of the head of the organisation, make the organisation democratic by holding internal elections, authorisation of their parents before enrolling the pre-adolescents into the movement, and to renounce violence and secrecy. Golwalkar launched an agitation against this demand during which he was imprisoned again. Later,
7301-472: The Gurukul Kangri Vishwavidyalaya , which has a vast campus, and has been providing traditional education of its own kind, since 1902. Development of Haridwar took an upturn in the 1960s, with the setting up of a temple of modern civilisation, BHEL , a ' Maharatna PSU ' in 1975, which brought along not just a its own township of BHEL, Ranipur , close to the existing Ranipur village, but also
7450-545: The Hindu Samaj who chaired the special Congress session of 1920 held at Lahore which gave the call for non-cooperation. Under Malaviya, the Mahasabha campaigned for Hindu political unity, for the education and economic development of Hindus as well as for the conversion of Muslims to Hinduism. The Hindu Mahasabha did not unconditionally support the Indian independence movement against British rule in India. However, it became part of
7599-475: The Indian National Congress for failing to defend Hindu interests and called for the promotion of Hindu-centered politics. In this conference, Sabha leaders strongly proposed that Hindus need a separate nation and that Muslims should not be given any rights in that nation. The Sabha organised five more annual provincial conferences in Punjab. The development of the broad civic framework for Hindu unity that started in
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#17328450733317748-421: The Indian National Congress in 1886 and was also one of the key members of the revolutionary India House . Though Mahatma Gandhi never called himself a "Hindu nationalist"; he believed in and propagated concepts like Dharma and introduced the concept of the "Rāma Rājya" (Rule of Lord Rāma ) as part of his social and political philosophy. Gandhi said "By political independence I do not mean an imitation to
7897-633: The NDA government to give legal and administrative protection to the Hindus who attack churches. He justified his claim by saying that churches were only conversion factories. Shukla also promised the Mahasabha would give protection and awards to those who marry Muslim girls and attack churches. He also said that the Taj Mahal would meet the same fate as Babri masjid as it was a Shiva Temple. Hindu nationalism Hindu nationalism has been collectively referred to as
8046-515: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), Babasaheb Apte 's lifelong pet sentence was "Vivekananda is like Gita for the RSS." Some historians have observed that this helped the nascent Independence movement with a distinct national identity and kept it from being the simple derivative function of European nationalism. Sri Aurobindo was a nationalist and one of the first to embrace the idea of complete political independence for India. He
8195-584: The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh founded in 1925, and of the Bharatiya Jana Sangh (the present-day ruling Bharatiya Janata Party ) under another euphemistic relabelling Bharatiyata (Indianness). " Lal-Bal-Pal " is the phrase that is used to refer to the three nationalist leaders Lala Lajpat Rai, Bal Gangadhar Tilak and Bipin Chandra Pal who held sway over the Indian Nationalist movement and
8344-483: The United Province , and remained so till the creation of Uttar Pradesh in 1947. Haridwar has been an abode of the weary in body, mind, and spirit. It has also been a centre of attraction for learning various arts, science, and culture. The city has a long-standing position as a great source of Ayurvedic medicines and herbal remedies and is home to the unique Gurukul (school of traditional education), including
8493-589: The Vana Parva of the Mahabharata , where sage Dhaumya tells Yudhishthira about the tirthas of India, Gangadvāra, i.e., Haridwar and Kankhal , have been referred to, the text also mentions that Sage Agastya did penance (an act showing sorrow or regret for sin) here, with the help of his wife, Lopamudra (the princess of Vidharba ). Sage Kapila is said to have an ashram here giving it, its ancient name, Kapila or Kapilasthana. The legendary king, Bhagiratha ,
8642-535: The 'Neel Parvat' on the eastern bank of the river Ganges. It was constructed in 1929 CE by the king of Kashmir , Suchat Singh. Skanda Purana mentions a legend, in which Chanda-Munda , the Army Chief of a local Demon Kings Shumbha and Nishumbha were killed by goddess Chandi here, after which the place got the name, Chandi Devi. It is believed that the main statue was established by the Adi Shankaracharya in
8791-540: The 'Panch Tirth ' (Five Pilgrimages) within Haridwar, are "Gangadwar" ( Har ki Pauri ), Kushawart (Ghat in Kankhal ), Bilwa Tirtha ( Mansa Devi Temple ) and Neel Parvat ( Chandi Devi Temple ). There are several other temples and ashrams located in and around the city, a list of which can be found below. Also, alcohol and non-vegetarian food is not permitted in Haridwar. This Ghat was constructed by King Vikramaditya (1st century BCE) in memory of his brother Bharthari . It
8940-458: The 16th century during the reign of Mughal Emperor Akbar , refers to it as Maya (Mayapur), known as Hardwar on the Ganges ", as seven sacred cities of Hindus. It further mentions it is eighteen kos (each approx. 2 km) in length, and large numbers of pilgrims assemble on the 10th of Chaitra. It also mentions that during his travels and also while at home, Mughal Emperor, Akbar drank water from
9089-550: The 8th century CE. The temple is a 3 km (1.9 mi) trek from Chandighat and can also be reached through a ropeway. The temple of Goddess Mansa Devi is situated at the top of the Bilva Parvat, literally means 'Goddess fulfilling desires'. Mansa is a tourist destination, Especially because of the mountain cable cars which offer city views. The main temple houses two idols of the Goddess, one with three mouths and five arms, while
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#17328450733319238-593: The Birla Ghat, near Laltarao Pul is a temple dedicated to Goddess Ganga. This temple was established by Jayandra Saraswati, Shankaracharya of Kanchi Kamakoti, a few decades ago. The temple, built in South-Indian style, has a traditional custom of decorating the goddess with vegetables and dry fruits, giving her the title of Shakumbhari on Ashtami Pooja, the eighth day of Navratri. The ancient temple of Daksha Mahadev also known as Daksheshwar Mahadev Temple has situated in
9387-640: The British colonial government banned military drills and the use of uniforms in non-official organizations, Golwalkar terminated the RSS military department. RSS had played no role in the Quit India Movement nor the naval revolt . The Bengali Hindu Homeland Movement refers to the movement of the Bengali Hindu people for the Partition of Bengal in 1947 to create a homeland for themselves within India, in
9536-412: The British, not for the sake for Britain, not for any advantage that the British might gain, but for the maintenance of the defence and freedom of the province itself. You, as Governor, will function as the constitutional head of the province and will be guided entirely on the advice of your Minister. Even the Indian historian R.C. Majumdar noted this fact and states: Syama Prasad ended the letter with
9685-617: The Christian missionaries as a body, with honorable exceptions, have actively supported a system which has impoverished, enervated and demoralized a people considered to be among the gentlest and most civilized on earth. The influence of the Hindu renaissance movements was such that by the turn of the 20th century, there was a confluence of ideas of Hindu cultural nationalism with the ideas of Indian nationalism . Both could be spoken synonymously even by tendencies that were seemingly opposed to sectarian communalism and Hindu majoritism. The Hindu renaissance movements held considerable influence over
9834-425: The Civil Disobedience Movement of 1930. The Indian National Congress won a massive victory in the 1937 Indian provincial elections , decimating the Hindu Mahasabha. However, in 1939, the Congress ministries resigned in protest against Viceroy Lord Linlithgow's action of declaring India to be a belligerent in the Second World War without consulting the Indian people. This led to the Hindu Mahasabha joining hands with
9983-412: The Congress gave a call to the British rulers to Quit India. In this letter, dated July 26, 1942, he wrote: Let me now refer to the situation that may be created in the province as a result of any widespread movement launched by the Congress. Anybody, who during the war, plans to stir up mass feeling, resulting in internal disturbances or insecurity, must be resisted by any Government that may function for
10132-421: The Congress moved from the polite accusation that colonial rule was "un-British" to the forthright claim of Tilak that "Swaraj is my birthright and I will have it". Bipin Chandra Pal of Bengal was another prominent figure of the Indian nationalist movement, who is considered a modern Hindu reformer, who stood for Hindu cultural nationalism and was opposed to sectarian communalism and Hindu majoritism. He joined
10281-545: The Ganges river, which he called 'the water of immortality'. Special people were stationed at Sorun and later Haridwar to dispatch water, in sealed jars, to wherever he was stationed During the Mughal period, there was mint for Akbar's copper coinage at Haridwar. It is said that Raja Man Singh of Amber , laid that foundation of the present-day city of Haridwar and also renovated the ghats at Har Ki Pauri. After his death, his ashes are also said to have been immersed at Brahma Kund. Thomas Coryat , an English traveller, who visited
10430-479: The Ganges. Haridwar came under the rule of the Delhi Sultanate in 1206. The city also fell to the Central Asian conqueror Timur Lang (1336–1405) on 13 January 1399. During his visit to Haridwar, first Sikh Guru, Guru Nanak (1469–1539) bathed at 'Kushawart Ghat', wherein the famous, 'watering the crops' episode took place, his visit is today commemorated by a gurudwara (Gurudwara Nanakwara), according to two Sikh Janamsakhis , this visit took place on
10579-411: The Hindu Mahasabha did not call for the exclusion of other religious communities from government, it identified India as a Hindu Rashtra ("Hindu Nation") and believed in the primacy of Hindu culture , religion , and heritage . The Hindu Mahasabha was opposed to the Indian caste system and policies that endorsed untouchability , and used to organize all caste dinners in Nagpur and Kanpur. Savarkar
10728-502: The Hindu Mahasabha. Along with them, police arrested Savarkar, who was suspected of being the mastermind behind the plot. While the trial resulted in convictions and judgments against the others, Savarkar was released due to lack of evidence. The Kapur Commission said: The Hindu Mahasabha considers Nathuram Godse to be a "real forgotten hero" of the independence struggle of India and criticises Mahatma Gandhi for not having prevented
10877-519: The Indian expatriates in London. When Gandhi visited London in 1909, he shared a platform with the revolutionaries where both the parties politely agreed to disagree, on the question of adopting a violent struggle and whether Ramayana justified such violence. Gandhi, while admiring the "patriotism" of the young revolutionaries, had "dissented vociferously" from their "violent blueprints" for social change. In turn,
11026-576: The League itself in running coalition government... In March 1943, Sindh Government became the first Provincial Assembly of the sub-continent to pass an official resolution in favour of the creation of Pakistan. Despite the Hindu Mahasabha's avowed public opposition to any territorial division of India, the Mahasabha Ministers of the Sindh government did not resign, rather they simply "contented themselves with
11175-567: The Muslim League and other parties to form governments, in certain provinces. Such coalition governments were formed in Sindh, NWFP, and Bengal. In Sindh , Hindu Mahasabha members joined Ghulam Hussain Hidayatullah 's Muslim League government. In Savarkar's own words: Witness the fact that only recently in Sind, the Sind-Hindu-Sabha on invitation had taken the responsibility of joining hands with
11324-561: The Ramgarh Gate and Mohand Gate are within 25 km (16 mi) of Dehradun, while the Motichur, Ranipur and Chilla Gates are just about 9 km (5.6 mi) from Haridwar. Kunaon Gate is 6 km (3.7 mi) from Rishikesh , and Laldhang gate is 25 km (16 mi) from Kotdwara . Haridwar district, covering an area of about 2,360 km (910 sq mi), is in the southwestern part of Uttarakhand state of India. Haridwar
11473-514: The Sacred Thread"). The Tagadhari castes could not be enslaved following any criminal punishment unless they had been expelled from the caste. The main broad caste categories in Nepal are Tagadharis (sacred thread bearers), Matwalis (liquor drinkers) and Dalits (or untouchables). Many Hindu reform movements originated in the nineteenth century. These movements led to fresh interpretations of
11622-696: The Sanskrit phrase " Satyameva Jayate " (Truth alone triumphs), from the Mundaka Upanishad , which today is the national motto of the Republic of India. He founded the Benaras Hindu University in 1919 and became its first Vice-Chancellor. Another leader of prime importance in the ascent of Hindu nationalism was Keshav Baliram Hedgewar of Nagpur . Hedgewar as a medical student in Calcutta had been part of
11771-641: The Westernized audience. His famous speech in the Parliament of the World's Religions at Chicago on 11 September 1893, followed a huge reception of his thought in the West and made him a well-known figure in the West and subsequently in India too. His influence can still be recognised in popular Western spirituality , such as nondualism , New Age and the veneration of Ramana Maharshi . A major element of Vivekananda's message
11920-463: The ancient scriptures of Upanishads and Vedanta and also emphasised on social reform. The marked feature of these movements was that they countered the notion of the superiority of Western culture during the colonial era. This led to the upsurge of patriotic ideas that formed the cultural and ideological basis for the independence movement in Colonial India. The Brahmo Samaj was started by
12069-613: The army...to stick to their posts" across the country, and not to join the Quit India Movement at any cost. Following the Hindu Mahasabha's official decision to boycott the Quit India movement, Syama Prasad Mukherjee , leader of the Hindu Mahasabha in Bengal (which was a part of the ruling coalition in Bengal led by Krishak Praja Party of Fazlul Haq ), wrote a letter to the British Government as to how they should respond, if
12218-499: The assassination, many prominent leaders of the RSS were arrested, and the RSS as an organisation was banned on 4 February 1948 by the then Home Minister Patel. During the court proceedings in relation to the assassination Godse began claiming that he had left the organisation in 1946. The then Indian Deputy Prime Minister and Home Minister, Vallabhbhai Patel had remarked that the "RSS men expressed joy and distributed sweets after Gandhi's death". The charged RSS leaders were acquitted of
12367-480: The banks of the Ganges to wash away their sins to attain moksha . According to Puranic legend, Haridwar, along with Ujjain , Nashik , and Prayag , is one of four sites where drops of amrita , the elixir of immortality, accidentally spilled over from a kumbha (pitcher) while being carried by the celestial bird Garuda during the Samudra Manthana , or the churning of the ocean of milk. Brahma Kund ,
12516-479: The banks of the river Ganges. It is situated adjacent to the Samanvaya Ashram , and stands eight stories tall to a height of 180 feet (55 m). Each floor depicts an era in the Indian history, from the days of Ramayana until India's independence. On the first floor is the statue of Bharat Mata . The second floor, Shur Mandir , is dedicated to the well-renowned heroes of India. The third floor Matri Mandir
12665-400: The case of religious and nationalism discourse. As Hindus were identifiable as a homogeneous community, some individual Congress leaders were able to induce a symbolism with "Hindu" meaning inside the general stance of secular nationalism . The diversity of Indian cultural groups and moderate positions of Hindu nationalism have sometimes made it regarded as cultural nationalism rather than
12814-495: The centre for revolutionary ideas and was the college where revolutionaries like Bhagat Singh studied. While leading a procession against the Simon Commission , he was fatally injured in the lathi charge . His death led revolutionaries like Chandrashekar Azad and Bhagat Singh to assassinate the British police officer J. P. Saunders , who they believed was responsible for the death of Lala Lajpat Rai. Bal Gangadhar Tilak
12963-541: The city in the reign of Emperor Jahangir (1596–1627) mentions it as 'Haridwara', the capital of Shiva. Being one of the oldest living cities, Haridwar finds its mention in the ancient Hindu scriptures as it weaves through the life and time stretching from the period of the Buddha , to the more recent British advent. Haridwar has a rich and ancient religious and cultural heritage. It still has many old havelis and mansions bearing exquisite murals and intricate stonework. One of
13112-540: The clause about loyalty to the British and added a clause committing the organisation to a "united and self-governing" Indian nation. Amongst the Mahasabha's early leaders were the prominent nationalists, educationalists and four-time Indian National Congress president Pandit Madan Mohan Malaviya , who founded the Benaras Hindu University , the Punjabi populist Lala Lajpat Rai and Lajpat Rai's mentor Navin Chandra Rai of
13261-418: The coalition government. The Hindu Mahasabha openly opposed the call for the Quit India Movement and boycotted it officially. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar , the president of the Hindu Mahasabha at that time, even went to the extent of writing a letter titled " Stick to your Posts ", in which he instructed Hindu Sabhaites who happened to be "members of municipalities, local bodies, legislatures or those serving in
13410-532: The conference and were supportive of the formation of All India Hindu Sabha. The Sabha emphasized Hindu solidarity and the need for social reform. At its sixth session in April 1921, the Sarvadeshak Hindu Sabha formally changed its name to Akhil Bharat Hindu Mahasabha on the model of the Indian National Congress. Presided over by Manindra Chandra Nandi, it amended its constitution to remove
13559-630: The conspiracy charge by the Supreme Court of India . Following his release in August 1948, Golwalkar wrote to Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru to lift the ban on RSS. After Nehru replied that the matter was the responsibility of the Home Minister, Golwalkar consulted Vallabhai Patel regarding the same. Patel then demanded an absolute pre-condition that the RSS adopt a formal written constitution and make it public, where Patel expected RSS to pledge its loyalty to
13708-402: The conspirators. The Hindu Mahasabha , of which Godse was a member, lost membership and popularity. The effects of public outrage had a permanent effect on the Hindu Mahasabha. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh, which was started in 1925, had grown by the end of British rule in India. In January 1948, Mahatma Gandhi was assassinated by Nathuram Godse , a former member of the RSS. Following
13857-571: The country and also to pardon the offenders and grant their return to the country. The government in practicality was not an absolute monarchy due to the dominance of Nepalese political clans such as the Pande family and the Thapa family , making the Shah monarch a puppet ruler. These basic Hindu templates provide the evidence that Nepal was administered as a Hindu state. The Nepali civil code , Muluki Ain ,
14006-483: The death of Hedgewar in 1940, M. S. Golwalkar became head of the organization. RSS continued to avoid participation in anti-British activities, as Golwalkar did not want to give the British colonial administration any excuse to ban the RSS. After the Muslim League passed the Lahore Resolution demanding a separate Pakistan, the RSS campaigned for a Hindu nation, but stayed away from the independence struggle. When
14155-598: The early 20th century in Punjab was a precursor for the formation of the All India Hindu Sabha. Over the next few years, several such Hindu Sabhas were established outside Punjab, including in United Provinces, Bihar, Bengal, Central Provinces and Berar , and Bombay Presidency . A formal move to establish an umbrella All-India Hindu Sabha was made at the Allahabad session of Congress in 1910. A committee headed by Lala Baij Nath
14304-400: The expression of social and political thought, based on the native spiritual and cultural traditions of the Indian subcontinent . "Hindu nationalism" is a simplistic translation of Hindū Rāṣṭravād . It is better described as "Hindu polity". The native thought streams became highly relevant in Indian history when they helped form a distinctive identity about the Indian polity and provided
14453-467: The famous Chittagong Uprising . Both Swami Vivekananda and Sri Aurobindo are credited with having founded the basis for a vision of freedom and glory for India in the spirituality and heritage of Hinduism. In 1924, Mahatma Gandhi wrote: This [Christian] proselytization will mean no peace in the world. Conversions are harmful to India. If I had the power and could legislate I should certainly stop all proselytizing ... It pains me to have to say that
14602-466: The focal point of Hindu movements in Independent India. The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh started by him became one of the most prominent Hindu organisation with its influence ranging in the social and political spheres of India. In 1930, when Mahatma Gandhi started Satyagraha movement against the British Government, Hedgewar participated in the movement in his capacity and did not let the RSS join
14751-654: The foothills of the Shivalik ranges . Haridwar lies in doab region where people speak khari boli . Haridwar is regarded as a holy place for Hindus , hosting important religious events and serving as a gateway to several prominent places of worship. Most significant of the events is the Kumbha Mela , which is celebrated every 12 years in Haridwar. During the Haridwar Kumbh Mela , millions of pilgrims, devotees, and tourists congregate in Haridwar to perform ritualistic bathing on
14900-492: The foundation of the Maratha Empire . Shivaji was also an inspiration for Hindu nationalist activists such as Bal Gangadhar Tilak . Vinayak Damodar Savarkar writes that Shivaji had 'electrified' minds of the Hindus all over Bharat by defeating the forces of Aurangzeb . Maharajadhiraja Prithvi Narayan Shah proclaimed the newly unified Kingdom of Nepal as Asal Hindustan ("Real Land of Hindus") because North India
15049-449: The freedom movement officially. The RSS portrayed itself as a social movement rather than a political party, and did not play a central role in any of the Indian independence movement . However, the RSS emphatically rejected the Congress policy of cooperation with the Muslims. Subsequently, in 1934, the Congress banned its members from joining RSS, Hindu Mahasabha or Muslim League. After
15198-488: The goal of India's nationalist movement thus: I say no longer that nationalism is a creed, a religion, a faith; I say that it is the Sanatan Dharma which for us is nationalism. This Hindu nation was born with the Sanatan Dharma, with it, it moves and with it, it grows. When the Sanatan Dharma declines, then the nation declines, and if the Sanatan Dharma were capable of perishing, with the Sanatan Dharma it would perish. In
15347-585: The great-grandson of the Suryavamsha King Sagara (an ancestor of Rama ), is said to have brought the river Ganges down from heaven, through years of penance in Satya Yuga , for the salvation of 60,000 of his ancestors from the curse of the Sage Kapila . This is a tradition continued by thousands of devout Hindus, who bring the ashes of their departed family members, in hope of their salvation. Vishnu
15496-758: The inception of the Swami Satyamitranand foundation in 1998, several other branches have been opened, namely in Renukut, Jabalpur, Jodhpur, Indore, and Ahmedabad. It is presently under The Junapeethadheesh, Acharya Shree Mahamandaleshwar Swami Avdheshanand Giri Ji Maharaj. Piran Kaliyar Sharif , built by Ibrahim Lodhi , a ruler of Delhi, this 'Dargah' of Hazrat Alauddin Sabir Kaliyari , a 13th-century, Sufi Saint of Chishti Order (also known as Sarkar Sabir Pak ), in Kaliyar village, 7 km (4.3 mi). from Roorkee ,
15645-561: The independence struggle in the early parts of twentieth century. Lala Lajpat Rai belonged to the northern province of Punjab. He was influenced greatly by the Arya Samaj and was part of the Hindu reform movement. He joined the Indian National Congress in 1888 and became a prominent figure in the Indian Independence Movement. He started numerous educational institutions. The National College at Lahore started by him became
15794-412: The integration of the princely states into India. After the assassination of Indian leader Mahatma Gandhi by a Hindu Mahasabha activist Nathuram Godse , the Mahasabha's fortunes diminished in post-Independence Indian politics, and it was soon eclipsed by the Bharatiya Jana Sangh . The organisation was originally called Sarvadeshik Hindu Sabha ("Pan-Country Hindu Assembly"). In 1921, it changed to
15943-409: The king was brought to life and given a goat's head by Shiva . Daksha Mahadev temple is a tribute to this legend. Sati Kund, another historical heritage is situated in the Kankhal . Legend has it that Sati immolated herself in this kund . Bharat Mata Mandir is a multi-storey temple dedicated to Bharat Mata (Mother India). Bharat Mata Mandir was inaugurated on 15 May 1983 by Indira Gandhi on
16092-515: The leadership of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar , who developed the concept of Hindutva ( lit. ' Hinduness ' ) and became a fierce opponent of the western, secular nationalism espoused by the Congress. During the World War II , the Mahasabha supported the British war effort and briefly entered coalitions with the Muslim League in provincial and central legislative councils. They opposed
16241-647: The movement on its conditions and with regards to protecting the interests of the Hindus. For example, it boycotted the Simon Commission . In the aftermath, it was part of the all-party committee, which came out with the Nehru Report. However, it did not accept the Report as according to Mahasabha, it gave too many concessions to Muslims. Similarly, when Mahatma Gandhi observed a fast against the Communal Award, Mahasabha worked with Gandhi and other parties to ensure Poona Pact
16390-533: The old Bharadari governments of the Gorkha Kingdom were derived from ancient Hindu texts such as the Dharmashastra The King was considered an incarnation of Lord Vishnu and was the chief authority over legislative, judiciary and executive functions. The judiciary functions were decided based on the principles of Hindu Dharma codes of conduct. The king had full rights to expel any person who offended
16539-664: The other one has eight arms. Haridwar was previously known as Mayapuri which is because of the Goddess Maya Devi. Dating to the 11th century CE, this ancient temple of Maya Devi, the Adhishthatri Devi (Patron Goddess) of Haridwar, is considered one of the Siddhapithas and is said to be the place where the heart and navel of Goddess Sati had fallen. It is one of few ancient temples still standing in Haridwar, along with Narayani Shila temple and Bhairav Temple. Located close to
16688-413: The overarching Hindu renaissance movements of the late nineteenth century. Swami Dayananda , the founder of Arya Samaj, rejected idolatry, caste restriction and untouchability, child marriage and advocated equal status and opportunities for women. He opposed "Brahmanism" (which he believed had led to the corruption of the knowledge of Vedas) as much as he opposed Christianity and Islam. Although Arya Samaj
16837-437: The partition of India. In 2014, following the Bharatiya Janata Party 's rise to power, the Hindu Mahasabha continued attempts to rehabilitate and portray him as a patriot. It requested Prime Minister Narendra Modi to install the bust of Nathuram Godse. It created a documentary film Desh Bhakt Nathuram Godse (Patriot Nathuram Godse ) for release on the death anniversary of Gandhi on 30 January 2015. There were attempts to build
16986-463: The present name Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha ("All-India Hindu Grand Assembly"). Local forerunners of the Hindu Mahasabha emerged in connection with the disputes after the partition of Bengal in 1905 in British India. Under the then viceroy Lord Curzon , the division of the province of Bengal was into two new provinces of East Bengal and Assam, as well as Bengal. The new province of Bengal had
17135-444: The revolutionaries disliked his adherence to constitutionalism and his close contacts with moderate leaders of the Indian National Congress. Moreover, they considered his method of "passive resistance" effeminate and humiliating. The India House was soon to face closure following the assassination of William Hutt Curzon Wyllie by the revolutionary Madan Lal Dhingra , who was close to India House . Savarkar also faced charges and
17284-485: The revolutionary activities of the Hindu Mahasabha, Anushilan Samiti and Jugantar. He was charged with sedition in 1921 by the British Administration and served a year in prison. He was briefly a member of the Indian National Congress. In 1925, he left the Congress to form the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) with the help of Hindu Mahasabha Leader B. S. Moonje , Bapuji Soni, Gatate Ji etc., which would become
17433-418: The revolutionary movements against British rule and formed the philosophical basis for the struggles and political movements that originated in the first decade of the twentieth century. Anushilan Samiti was one of the prominent revolutionary movements in India in the early part of the twentieth century. It was started as a cultural society in 1902, by Aurobindo and the followers of Bankim Chandra to propagate
17582-424: The revolutionary party. It is of utmost importance to arrest his potential for mischief, for he is the prime mover and can easily set tools, one to replace another". But charges against Aurobindo were never proved and he was acquitted. Many members of the group faced charges and were transported and imprisoned for life. Others went into hiding. In 1910, when, Aurobindo withdrew from political life and decided to live
17731-584: The rights of the Hindu community members. In 1909, Lal Chand and U.N. Mukerji established the Punjab Hindu Sabha ("Punjab Hindu Assembly"). The Sabha stated that it was not a sectarian organisation, but an "all-embracing movement" that aimed to safeguard the interests of "the entire Hindu community". On 21–22 October 1909, it organised the Punjab Provincial Hindu Conference, which criticised
17880-447: The riverbed. The water is restored on Diwali. It is believed that on Dussera Maa Ganga goes to her father's house and returns after Bhai Duj or Bhai Phota. It is for this reason that the waters in the Ganga canal in Haridwar are partially dried on the night of Dussehra and the waters are restored on the day of Bhai Duj or Bhai Phota. The temple is dedicated to Goddess Chandi , who sits atop
18029-417: The same speech, he also gave a comprehensive perspective of Hinduism, which is at variance with the geocentric view developed by the later day Hindu nationalist ideologues such as Veer Savarkar and Deendayal Upadhyay: But what is the Hindu religion? What is this religion which we call Sanatan, eternal? It is the Hindu religion only because the Hindu nation has kept it, after all, in this Peninsula it grew up in
18178-525: The seclusion of the sea and the Himalayas, because in this sacred and ancient land it was given as a charge to the Aryan race to preserve through the ages. But it is not circumscribed by the confines of a single country, it does not belong peculiarly and forever to a bounded part of the world. That which we call the Hindu religion is the eternal religion, because it is the universal religion which embraces all others. If
18327-785: The situation... Hindu Mahasabha took funding from the princely states and supported them to remain independent even after the independence of India . Savarkar particularly hailed the Hindu dominated states as the 'bedrock of Hindu power' and defended their despotic powers, referring to them as the 'citadels of organised Hindu power'. He particularly hailed the princely states such as Mysore State , Travancore , Oudh and Baroda State as 'progressive Hindu states'. On January 30, 1948, Nathuram Godse shot Mahatma Gandhi three times and killed him in Delhi . Godse and his fellow conspirators Digambar Badge , Gopal Godse , Narayan Apte , Vishnu Karkare and Madanlal Pahwa were identified as prominent members of
18476-416: The south Kankhal town. According to Hindu texts, King Daksha Prajapati , father of Dakshayani , Shiva's first wife, performed a yagña, to which he deliberately did not invite Shiva. When she arrived uninvited, he was further insulted by the king, seeing which Sati felt infuriated and self-immolated herself in the yagna kund . King Daksha was later killed by Virabhadra , born out of Shiva's anger. Later
18625-494: The spot where Ganga rusheth past, cleaving the foremost of mountains which is frequented by Gandharvas and Yakshas and Rakshasas and Apsaras , and inhabited by hunters, and Kinnaras , is called Gangadwara (Haridwar). O King, Sanatkumara regardeth that spot visited by Brahmarshis , as also the Tirtha Kanakhala (that is near to it), as sacred." The Mahabharata , Vana Parva: Tirthayatra Parva: Section XC. In
18774-547: The spot where the amrita fell, is believed to be located at Har ki Pauri (literally, "footsteps of the Lord") and is considered to be the most sacred ghat of Haridwar. It is also the primary centre of the Kanwar pilgrimage , in which millions of participants gather sacred water from the Ganges and carry it across hundreds of miles to dispense as offerings in Shiva shrines. Today, the city
18923-607: The teachings of the Bhagavad Gita . But soon the Samiti had its goal to overthrow British colonial rule in India Various branches of the Samiti sprung across India in the guise of suburban fitness clubs but secretly imparted arms training to its members with the implicit aim of using them against the British colonial administration. On 30 April 1908 at Muzaffarpur , two revolutionaries, Khudiram Bose and Prafulla Chaki, threw bombs at
19072-441: The term Hindutva was articulated by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 1923. The Hindutva movement has been described as a variant of "right-wing extremism" and as "almost fascist in the classical sense", adhering to a concept of homogenised majority and cultural hegemony . Some analysts dispute the "fascist" label, and suggest Hindutva is an extreme form of " conservatism " or "ethnic absolutism". Some have also described Hindutva as
19221-472: The time being. Mookerjee in this letter reiterated that the Fazlul Haq led Bengal Government, along with its alliance partner Hindu Mahasabha would make every possible effort to defeat the Quit India Movement in the province of Bengal and made a concrete proposal as regards this: The question is how to combat this movement (Quit India) in Bengal? The administration of the province should be carried on in such
19370-469: The tribals. Haridwar Haridwar ( / ˌ h ʌr ɪ ˈ d w ɑːr / ; Hindi: [ɦəɾɪd̪waːɾ] ; formerly Mayapuri ) is a city and municipal corporation in the Haridwar district of Uttarakhand , India. With a population of 228,832 in 2011, it is the second-largest city in the state and the largest in the district. The city is situated on the right bank of the Ganges river, at
19519-594: The two major dams on the river Ganges, the Bhimgoda, is situated here. Built-in the 1840s, it diverts the waters of the Ganges to the Upper Ganges Canal, which irrigated the surrounding lands. Though this caused severe deterioration to the Ganges water flow, and is a major cause for the decay of the Ganges as an inland waterway, which till the 18th century was used heavily by the ships of the East India Company , and
19668-635: The wake of Muslim League 's proposal and campaign to include the entire province of Bengal within Pakistan, which was to be a homeland for the Muslims of British India . The movement began in late 1946, especially after the Great Calcutta Killing and Noakhali genocide , gained significant momentum in April 1947 and in the end met with success on 20 June 1947 when the legislators from the Hindu majority areas returned their verdict in favour of Partition and
19817-460: The waters of the holy Ganges as required by Hindu religious custom, it has been a custom to go to the Pandit who is in charge of one's family register and update the family's family tree with details of marriages, births, and deaths from ones extended joint family. As of 2011 India census, Haridwar district has population of 1,890,422 (2011). In 2001, the population was 1,447,187. Haridwar city has
19966-502: Was a nationalist leader from the Central Indian province of Maharashtra. He has been widely acclaimed the "Father of Indian unrest" who used the press and Hindu occasions like Ganesh Chaturthi and symbols like the Cow to create unrest against the British administration in India. Tilak joined the Indian National Congress in 1890. Under the influence of such leaders, the political discourse of
20115-487: Was a priest in the temple of the goddess Kali in Calcutta and who was to become his guru. Under the influence of Orientalism , Perennialism and Universalism , Vivekananda re-interpreted Advaita Vedanta , presenting it as the essence of Hindu spirituality, and the development of human's religiosity. This project started with Ram Mohan Roy of Brahmo Samaj, who collaborated with the Unitarian Church , and propagated
20264-650: Was attended among others by all the Shankaracharyas, Jain leaders, Sikh leader Master Tara Singh Malhotra , the Dalai Lama and contemporary Hindu leaders like Swami Chinmayananda . From its initial years, the VHP led a concerted attack on the social evils of untouchability and casteism while launching social welfare programmes in the areas of education and health care, especially for the Scheduled Castes, backward classes, and
20413-427: Was commissioned by Jung Bahadur Rana after his European tour and enacted in 1854. It was rooted in traditional Hindu Law and codified social practices for several centuries in Nepal. The law also comprised Prāyaścitta (avoidance and removal of sin) and Ācāra (the customary law of different communities). It was an attempt to include the entire Hindu as well as the non-Hindu population of Nepal of that time into
20562-425: Was constituted in 1868, which included the then villages of Mayapur and Kankhal . Haridwar was first connected with railways, via Laksar , through branch line in 1886, when the Awadh and Rohilakhand Railway line was extended through Roorkee to Saharanpur , this was later extended to Dehradun in 1900. In 1901, it had a population of 25,597 and was a part of the Roorkee tehsil , in Saharanpur district of
20711-417: Was in Haridwar that goddess Ganga descended when Shiva released the mighty river from the locks of his hair. The River Ganga , after flowing for 253 kilometres (157 mi) from its source at Gaumukh at the edge of the Gangotri Glacier , enters the Gangetic Plain for the first time at Haridwar, which gave the city its ancient name, Gangadwára. In the annotations to her poetical illustration Hurdwar,
20860-402: Was inspired by the writings of Swami Vivekananda and the novels of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay . He "based his claim for freedom for India on the inherent right to freedom, not on any charge of misgovernment or oppression". He believed that the primary requisite for national progress, national reform, is the free habit of free and healthy national thought and action and that it was impossible in
21009-406: Was nationalism. He saw his effort very much in terms of a revitalisation of the Hindu nation, which carried Hindu spirituality and which could counter Western materialism. The notions of the superiority of Western culture against the culture of India , were to be questioned based on Hindu spirituality. It also became a main inspiration for Hindu nationalism today. One of the most revered leaders of
21158-453: Was often considered as a social movement, many revolutionaries and political leaders of the Indian Independence movement like Ramprasad Bismil , Bhagat Singh , Shyamji Krishnavarma , Bhai Paramanand and Lala Lajpat Rai were inspired by it. Another 19th-century Hindu reformer was Swami Vivekananda . Vivekananda as a student was educated in contemporary Western thought . He joined Brahmo Samaj briefly before meeting Ramakrishna , who
21307-568: Was ruled by the Islamic Mughal rulers . The proclamation was made to enforce the Hindu social code Dharmaśāstra over his reign and refer to his country as being inhabitable for Hindus . He also referred to the rest of Northern India as Mughlan (Country of Mughals ) and called the region infiltrated by Muslim foreigners. After the Gorkhali conquest of the Kathmandu valley , King Prithvi Narayan Shah expelled Christian Capuchin missionaries from Patan and renamed Nepal as Asali Hindustan (the real land of Hindus ). The Tagadharis enjoyed
21456-421: Was set up to draw a constitution, but it did not make much progress. Another conference of Hindu leaders in Allahabad also took the initial step to establish an All India Hindu Sabha in 1910, but this organisation did not become operational due to factional strife. On 8 December 1913, the Punjab Hindu Sabha passed a resolution to create an All India Hindu Sabha at its Ambala session. The Conference proposed holding
21605-454: Was signed and Depressed Classes were given a fair representation. Hindu Mahasabha opposed the Quit India Movement . Under Savarkar's leadership, the party organised Hindu Militarization Boards which recruited for the British Indian armed forces in World War 2 . Under the leadership of Mahatma Gandhi , the Congress led several nationwide campaigns of non-violent civil disobedience . The Mahasabha officially abstained from participating in
21754-405: Was started by Shyamji Krishnavarma , a Sanskritist and an Arya Samajist, in London, under the name of India House in 1905. The brain behind this movement was said to be V D Savarkar . Krishnaverma also published a monthly " Indian Sociologist ", where the idea of an armed struggle against the British colonial government was openly espoused. The movement had become well known for its activities in
21903-426: Was to be worked out in a democratically. After the ban was revoked RSS resumed its activities. The 1960s saw the volunteers of the RSS join the different social and political movements. Movements that saw a large presence of volunteers included the Bhoodan , a land reform movement led by prominent Gandhian Vinoba Bhave and the Sarvodaya led by another Gandhian Jayaprakash Narayan . RSS supported trade union,
22052-457: Was transported. Shyamji Krishna Varma fled to Paris. India House gave formative support to ideas that were later formulated by Savarkar in his book named ' Hindutva '. Hindutva was to gain relevance in the run-up to the Indian Independence and form the core ideology of the political party Hindu Mahasabha , of which Savarkar became president in 1937. It also formed the key ideology, under the euphemistic relabelling Rashtriyatva (nationalism), for
22201-586: Was very critical of the Indian caste system and untouchability, and among the social institutions, he saw it as the greatest curse of India. The Hindu Mahasabha promotes the principles of Hindutva , a Hindu nationalist ideology developed by its pre-eminent leader Vinayak Damodar Savarkar . The Mahasabha identifies India as Hindu Rashtra ("Hindu Nation"). In 2015, Vice President of All India Hindu Mahasabha, VP Sadhvi Deva Thakur stated that Christians and Muslims must undergo forced sterilization to restrict their growing population in India, which she considered
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