In the diverse cultural and religious landscape of India, identity often serves as both an anchor and a battleground. The Bengali Hindu identity, shaped by millennia of cultural and spiritual evolution, faces a unique dilemma. On one hand, it belongs to the broad spectrum of Hinduism; on the other, it retains distinct characteristics that resist easy classification within the homogenized framework of “Sanatana Dharma.”
To navigate this complexity, it is crucial to understand the difference between Hinduism as a whole and the traditional religions that form its many strands, as well as the implications of Bengali Hindus identifying as “Sanatani.”
Hinduism and Traditional Religion: A Pluralistic Spectrum
Hinduism is not a singular entity but a composite of various traditions, including:
- Vedic religion: Rooted in the sacred Vedas, emphasizing ritualistic worship, yajnas, and a patriarchal hierarchy.
- Tantric practices: Esoteric traditions focusing on liberation through spiritual energy, often centered around Shakti (the divine feminine).
- Folk religions: Local deities and customs, blending animistic and agrarian beliefs.
- Non-Vedic traditions: Indigenous practices that predate or developed parallel to Vedic culture.
Traditional religions, particularly in regions like Bengal, are rich in Tantric and Shakta influences. These traditions celebrate a Tantrashrayi matriarchy, where goddesses like Durga, Kali, and Chandi dominate the spiritual landscape. This distinct character sets Bengali Hinduism apart from the Vedic orthodoxy often associated with Sanatana Dharma.
Sanatana Dharma: A 19th-Century Rebranding
The term Sanatana Dharma gained prominence during the colonial era, as Hindu orthodoxy responded to Christian missionaries and reform movements like Brahmo Samaj and Arya Samaj. It was a strategic attempt to unify Hindu practices under a singular Vedicized identity, emphasizing eternal laws and scriptures. While effective in consolidating Hindu resistance against external pressures, this approach marginalized regional and non-Vedic traditions.
For Bengali Hindus, identifying as “Sanatani” often involves suppressing or sidelining the Tantric and folk elements intrinsic to their cultural identity. This not only diminishes the richness of Bengal’s spiritual heritage but also aligns it with a homogenized framework that may not resonate with its historical ethos.
Bengali Hindu Identity: A Unique Synthesis
Bengali Hindus have historically embraced pluralism. Their traditions honor both the fiery Kali and the nurturing Durga, blending spirituality with cultural practices. The use of kinship terms like “Baba” for neighbors reflects a community-centric worldview that contrasts with the rigid kinship systems of other regions.
Matrimonial practices further illustrate these differences. While Brahmins in North India often maintain strict endogamy, Bengali Brahmins rarely intermarry with their North Indian counterparts, underscoring a cultural gap that belies superficial similarities.
The Dangers of Losing Identity
The documentary anecdote about Chinese and Korean views on loyalty provides an insightful parallel. Nations like China and Korea value fidelity to one’s roots, whether familial or national, and view betrayal as a grave offense. Similarly, a community that abandons its traditions for external validation risks not only alienation but also irrelevance.
This is evident in the plight of Bangladeshi Hindus, many of whom have adopted the Sanatani label in an effort to align with a broader Hindu identity. Yet, this shift has not shielded them from persecution. Instead, their survival often depends on the support of Bengali Hindus in India—who, ironically, remain rooted in their traditional identity.
The lesson is clear: sacrificing one’s distinct identity for an overarching label offers neither protection nor respect.
The Need for Awareness and Action
For Bengali Hindus, the challenge lies in balancing their unique heritage with the broader Hindu framework. By preserving their Tantric, Shakta, and folk traditions, they contribute to the pluralism that defines Hinduism. However, this requires a conscious rejection of homogenization and an embrace of their historical and cultural distinctiveness.
If Bengali Hindus fail to uphold their identity, they risk becoming a diluted cultural group, vulnerable to external pressures from both “green Turks” (Islamic forces) and “ochre ideologues” (Vedic-centric Hindu orthodoxy). This would render their legacy illegitimate in the eyes of history, akin to a cultural orphan lacking roots or direction.
Conclusion: Reclaiming Pride in Tradition
Bengali Hindus must recognize that their unique identity is not a liability but a strength. By preserving their Tantrashrayi matriarchy, folk practices, and pluralistic ethos, they uphold a heritage that enriches the larger Hindu mosaic. In doing so, they honor their ancestors, protect their community, and offer future generations a sense of pride and belonging.
Homogenization under the Sanatani banner may promise unity, but it cannot replace the vibrancy and resilience of Bengal’s traditional religion. The time has come for Bengali Hindus to reclaim their identity with confidence, ensuring that their voice remains an essential part of India’s spiritual and cultural narrative.
