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| {{Hinduism small}}'''Anti-Brahmanism''', also known as '''Anti-Brahminism''', refers to the historical hostility and prejudice towards members of the ] ] ] |
{{Hinduism small}}'''Anti-Brahmanism''', also known as '''Anti-Brahminism''', refers to the historical hostility and prejudice towards members of the ] ] ]. It has manifested most profoundly through the pseudo-religious cults (such as ]) and perceptions of "struggle against the rituals and beliefs" which anti-Brahmins accuse Brahmins of imposing. | ||
| ==Scope== | ==Scope== | ||
| It ranges from individual hate-attacks to institutionalized attempts to vilify Brahmins |
It ranges from individual hate-attacks to institutionalized attempts to vilify Brahmins. Anti-Brahmanism is carried out mainly in the ] where some sections of the ] and ] engage in propagating a hostile or negative view of Brahmins and ] (a pejorative term for Brahmin practices, or sometimes, ]). Allegations are made that though Brahmins are generally from the ], they have historically enjoyed considerable respect in the Indian society as ]s and ]s. Such media claim that Brahmins form a small and elite community in India. Justification of anti-Brahmanism has now been incorporated in the curriculum of some states in India.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} Anti-Brahminism is allegedly supported by organizations which are opposed to Hinduism or India.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} | ||
| ==History== | ==History== | ||
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| The Brahmins have historically served as ] philosophers, authors, teachers and priests. However, historically, in ], these roles are not exclusively reserved for Brahmins. Prominent non-Brahmin Hindu religious personalities have existed from ancient times to today. | The Brahmins have historically served as ] philosophers, authors, teachers and priests. However, historically, in ], these roles are not exclusively reserved for Brahmins. Prominent non-Brahmin Hindu religious personalities have existed from ancient times to today. | ||
| Anti-Brahman pseudohistorians falsify accounts |
Anti-Brahman pseudohistorians falsify accounts into beliefs that Brahmins are ] who came from Europe-Middle Asia and tried to conquer native Indians called Dravidians who were free from religion. Aryans said to be more physically weaker and mentally cunning have decided to conquer Dravidians through the "divide and rule" techniques (such as varnashrama) they invented, later known brahminism and then hinduism. Aryans wrote epics and other scripts in which they occupied higher positions; also when they pacified Dravidians towards their religion. None of these accounts are supported by reputable historians of any related discipline. | ||
| ===Indian traditions=== | ===Indian traditions=== | ||
| Some Indian traditions have reflected some measure of anti-Brahmanism. In ], one was required to become a true Brahmin and attain Brahman before one could call themself a Brahmin, and the ] accepted many Brahmins. ], the founder of ] in India was ambivalent towards the Brahmins, knowing they were not really the oppressors |
Some Indian traditions have reflected some measure of anti-Brahmanism. In ], one was required to become a true Brahmin and attain Brahman before one could call themself a Brahmin, and the ] accepted many Brahmins. ], the founder of ] in India was ambivalent towards the Brahmins, knowing they were not really the oppressors. However in the past two decades the neo-Buddhists have turned increasingly hostile towards the Brahmins. | ||
| ===Abrahamic traditions=== | ===Abrahamic traditions=== | ||
| In ], although the claim (for example, in her book '']'', by ] whose mother is a ]) that the Syrian Christians are descendants of ] Brahmins of ], is not historically supported, it is widely made |
In ], although the claim (for example, in her book '']'', by ] whose mother is a ]) that the Syrian Christians are descendants of ] Brahmins of ], is not historically supported, it is widely made. | ||
| ] in ] observed with anger, the respect commanded by the Brahmins among ]s, thus they tried to convert Brahmins |
] in ] observed with anger, the respect commanded by the Brahmins among ]s, thus they tried to convert Brahmins, but with extremely limited success. A ] missionary ] (1577-1656) started claiming to be Brahmin, when he realized that his claim of being a ] has not been very effective. In the past couple of decade, some of the missionary organizations, having given up on Brahmins, have started focussing on the ]s and the tribals, and have initiated an active anti-Brahmin campaign.{{Fact|date=February 2007}} | ||
| ==Examples of Anti-Brahmanism== | ==Examples of Anti-Brahmanism== | ||
Revision as of 23:53, 13 February 2007
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Anti-Brahmanism, also known as Anti-Brahminism, refers to the historical hostility and prejudice towards members of the Hindu Brahmin caste. It has manifested most profoundly through the pseudo-religious cults (such as Self-respect movement) and perceptions of "struggle against the rituals and beliefs" which anti-Brahmins accuse Brahmins of imposing.
Scope
It ranges from individual hate-attacks to institutionalized attempts to vilify Brahmins. Anti-Brahmanism is carried out mainly in the Indian subcontinent where some sections of the media and polity engage in propagating a hostile or negative view of Brahmins and Brahmanism (a pejorative term for Brahmin practices, or sometimes, Hinduism). Allegations are made that though Brahmins are generally from the middle class, they have historically enjoyed considerable respect in the Indian society as scholars and priests. Such media claim that Brahmins form a small and elite community in India. Justification of anti-Brahmanism has now been incorporated in the curriculum of some states in India. Anti-Brahminism is allegedly supported by organizations which are opposed to Hinduism or India.
History
The Brahmins have historically served as Hindu philosophers, authors, teachers and priests. However, historically, in Hinduism, these roles are not exclusively reserved for Brahmins. Prominent non-Brahmin Hindu religious personalities have existed from ancient times to today.
Anti-Brahman pseudohistorians falsify accounts into beliefs that Brahmins are Aryans who came from Europe-Middle Asia and tried to conquer native Indians called Dravidians who were free from religion. Aryans said to be more physically weaker and mentally cunning have decided to conquer Dravidians through the "divide and rule" techniques (such as varnashrama) they invented, later known brahminism and then hinduism. Aryans wrote epics and other scripts in which they occupied higher positions; also when they pacified Dravidians towards their religion. None of these accounts are supported by reputable historians of any related discipline.
Indian traditions
Some Indian traditions have reflected some measure of anti-Brahmanism. In Buddhism, one was required to become a true Brahmin and attain Brahman before one could call themself a Brahmin, and the sangha accepted many Brahmins. Ambedkar, the founder of neo-Buddhism in India was ambivalent towards the Brahmins, knowing they were not really the oppressors. However in the past two decades the neo-Buddhists have turned increasingly hostile towards the Brahmins.
Abrahamic traditions
In Indian Christianity, although the claim (for example, in her book The God of Small Things, by Arundhati Roy whose mother is a Syrian Christian) that the Syrian Christians are descendants of Namboothiri Brahmins of Kerala, is not historically supported, it is widely made.
Christian missionaries in India observed with anger, the respect commanded by the Brahmins among Hindus, thus they tried to convert Brahmins, but with extremely limited success. A Jesuit missionary Roberto de Nobili (1577-1656) started claiming to be Brahmin, when he realized that his claim of being a Kshatriya has not been very effective. In the past couple of decade, some of the missionary organizations, having given up on Brahmins, have started focussing on the dalits and the tribals, and have initiated an active anti-Brahmin campaign.
Examples of Anti-Brahmanism
In media
In literature
Documents created by an anti-Hindu hate group Dalistan, have created an extensive set of web-documents posted on their web-sites, promoting anti-Brahmin, anti-Hindu and separationist ideas. They have been widely promoted and quoted by anti-Hindu interests. Some of them are:
- BRAHMIN GOLD The Plunder of Paradise
- The Final Brahmin Annihilation of Dalitstan
- Brahminist Occupied Governments
- Narasimha Rao the Brahmin & His Final Solution to the "Sikh Problem"
Documents created/hosted by Khalistan supporters:
- SIKHS WANT OUT OF THE BRAHMIN SHANGRILA - THEY WANT KHALISTAN
- An evil brahmin empire which must be destroyed
- Original Buddhism And Brahminic Interference
Documents created by missionary organizations in India:
- a fake document inspired by The Protocols of the Elders of Zion and widely disseminated by the missionaries, specially among the dalits and tribals.
In magazines
Some magazines promote anti-Brahmin sentiments.
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In Indian states
In Maharashtra
The Sambhaji Brigade attacked Bhandarkar Oriental Research Institute of Maharashtra in January 2004, claiming that the Institute had defamed Shivaji. Later the Sambhaji Brigade issued statements reflecting anti-Brahmin sentiments.. Anti-Hindu elements among Dalit Christians and Christian Missionary groups are also numerous in Maharashtra.
In Tamil Nadu
Tamil Nadu is home to one of the oldest anti-Brahmin movements in India. Tamil Brahmins (Iyers and Iyengars) are frequently held responsible by some sections of the Tamil politicians and media for direct or indirect oppression of lower-caste people. Historically, lower-castes were not allowed into temples and schools in Tamil Nadu. More importantly, in British India, the Tamil Brahmins had built a hegemony in the Indian Civil Service sector. As a result the lower castes under the leadership of Periyar Ramasami launched a non-Brahmin movement called Self-respect movement, protesting the oppression. Thus, significant portions of Tamil Brahmins have migrated to other Indian states or overseas, and hold a considerable presence in the Indian diaspora worldwide..
In Punjab
The Tat Khalsa movement sponsored by the British government to create a pool from which loyal soldiers can be recruited. Punjab is home to Khalistani separationists who are generally strongly anti-Brahmin. The movement's main source of support has always been from overseas groups.
In Northeast India
Successful proselytization by overseas organizations have created regions in eastern India where anti-Brahmanism flourishes.
See also
- Persecution of Hindus
- Mughalstan
- Anti-Semitism
- History of anti-Semitism
- Dalitstan
- Indian caste system
- Hate groups
- Dalit Voice
- Kashmiri Pandit Mass exodus of Pandits from the Valley
Notes
- Anand Soondas (January 19, 2004). "Bonfire of cupboard of history - Pune institute continues to count the losses from attack by Sambhaji Brigade". Retrieved 2006-08-07.
- Are Brahmins the Dalits of today?
- 'We Are Like The Jews: Politics apart, Brahmin-bashing is rampant in literary and cultural worlds too'
References
- Politics and Social Conflict in South India, the Non-Brahman Movement and Tamil Separatism, 1916-1929. Berkeley: University of California Press, 1969. By Prof. Eugene Irschik
- Editorial by Francois Gautier on anti-Brahmanism
- Article by Pdt Vamadeva Shastri (formerly David Frawley) on anti-Brahmanism
- Article from well-known anti-semitic website preaching hate against Jews and comparing Hindu Brahmins to anti-semitic stereotype(s) of Jews