Rearming Hinduism by Vamsee Juluri

“Rearming Hinduism: Nature, Hinduphobia, and the Return of Indian Intelligence” is a book written by Vamsee Juluri, an Indian-American professor of media studies at the University of San Francisco. The book was published in 2014, and it offers a critique of the way Hinduism is often portrayed in the West, and argues for a more positive and nuanced view of the religion.

Juluri’s main argument is that there is a persistent bias against Hinduism in Western discourse, which he calls “Hinduphobia”. According to Juluri, this bias is rooted in a colonial mindset that views Hinduism as primitive, irrational, and anti-modern. He also argues that Hinduphobia is perpetuated by Western academics and intellectuals who are often ignorant of the complexities and nuances of Hinduism.

In “Rearming Hinduism”, Juluri offers a counter-narrative to Hinduphobia, arguing that Hinduism is a rich and diverse tradition that is rooted in nature and embodies a deep ecological wisdom. He also argues that Hinduism has much to offer in terms of spirituality, ethics, and social justice, and that it is a vital resource for India’s development and progress.

The book is divided into three parts, each of which focuses on a different aspect of Hinduism. In the first part, Juluri discusses the importance of nature in Hinduism and argues that Hinduism is a deeply ecological religion. In the second part, he discusses the history of Hinduphobia and the way it has been perpetuated in the West. In the third part, he offers a vision for the future of Hinduism, arguing that it has the potential to be a positive force in the world.

Overall, “Rearming Hinduism” is a thought-provoking book that challenges many of the stereotypes and misconceptions about Hinduism that are prevalent in the West. It offers a fresh perspective on the religion, and it is likely to be of interest to anyone who is interested in the intersection of religion, culture, and politics.