From Conflict to Coexistence: The Real Dharma Yuddha

Introduction: A Personal Lens on the Hindu-Muslim Divide

My life experiences have inevitably shaped my understanding of the Hindu-Muslim crisis in India. While I have never witnessed violence firsthand, I have grown up hearing stories—tales of mobs and killings in localities across Jabalpur during festivals like Holi or Diwali. News, as we know, travels with its own bias, and I acknowledge that. As much as I strive to set aside my own biases in writing this, I hope you, too, will approach this with an open mind, free from preconceived notions.

Recent events have thrust religious tensions into the spotlight, making it imperative to re-examine history, identity, and coexistence. How did we get here? Is this conflict inevitable, or is there a way forward? More importantly, what role do we, as individuals, play in shaping the narrative?

Section 1: The Weight of History—How Narratives Shape the Present

We are all products of the narratives we inherit, and one of the most pressing questions today is: How long has this divide been brewing? Were we misled by our textbooks? Were historical figures misrepresented? As someone who loves history, I believe so, but my perspective extends beyond the current discourse. History has always been skewed—not merely as a subject to memorize or a tool to instill pride, but as a story told by the victors. The real tragedy is that we were never encouraged to question what we learned.

What was happening in the Deccan when the Mughals ruled? What transpired between the Mughals’ decline and the British’s rise? And crucially, what did we do with our rich history post-independence? Who were the people who shaped modern India? These narratives were either erased or relegated to the margins, categorized under civics or geography. This disconnect has left us with an incomplete understanding of our past. We chose partition over reconciliation, and the echoes of that decision reverberate to this day.

Our history’s portrayal of Independence is much like Bollywood’s portrayal of ‘happily-ever-after,’ but the truth is far more complex. The bitterness of the past persisted, shaping our present and future. The root of today’s conflicts lies in ideological differences and a history of unresolved tensions. Works like Ramachandra Guha’s India After Gandhi offers a commendable effort to bridge this gap in understanding, and such works should be essential reading for all.

Section 2: The Unnecessary Comparison—Hinduism and Other Faiths

The struggle to defend Hinduism often stems from the urge to equate it with other religions, which is unnecessary. Hinduism is one of the oldest surviving religions in the world, and it has even given birth to other faiths—thanks to the spiritual freedom it allows and the questions it encourages. Our ancestors built a tradition so vast and resilient that it continues to thrive. The best way to honor it is not by demeaning other faiths but by deeply understanding our own.

The Shastras encourage inquiry and learning. Had we relied solely on blind faith, we would not have made groundbreaking contributions to mathematics, medicine, and philosophy. Our ancestors were thinkers, questioners, and innovators. The best way to preserve Hinduism is to embody that spirit—not through rigid dogma, but through exploration and understanding.

Section 3: Beyond the Cycle of Violence: A Dilemma of Dharma

In a world where the very existence of Hinduism seems threatened, it’s tempting to resort to a violence vs. violence approach. However, this path raises profound questions about what we truly achieve. Does fighting fire with fire protect our faith, or does it merely perpetuate a cycle of aggression? The Bhagavad Gita cautions that violence can only be justified when it serves a higher purpose, such as upholding dharma without attachment to personal gain.

Yet, in today’s complex landscape, where political forces often exploit religious sentiments, we must ask: Who ultimately benefits from such conflicts? Are we merely empowering those in power to exert dominance, mirroring the very oppression we seek to resist? If, after the dust settles, we find ourselves still divided, with marginalized members of our own communities becoming targets, what have we truly accomplished?

The Gita reminds us that true dharma lies in awareness and integrity, not in the pursuit of power or dominance. As we navigate these dilemmas, we must consider whether our actions align with the principles of justice, compassion, and protection of the innocent, or if they merely serve to entrench existing power structures. Instead of being reactive, we should work towards a future where wisdom, tolerance, and resilience define our faith, rather than aggression.

Section 4: The Internal Struggle—Hinduism’s Identity Crisis

The lack of cohesive institutions and varying interpretations have made Hindus so distinct from one another that our fight often begins within. We are divided over who qualifies as a Hindu, which traditions are ‘right,’ and which are ‘wrong.’ Our spiritual freedom is our strength, but the infighting does us no good. To move forward, we must first unify by acknowledging that Hinduism is vast—it transcends regions, languages, cultures, festivals, and even caste (which exists whether we accept it or not).

The real battle is at home before we take it outside. What is the point of this struggle if, by the end of it, we are not aligned on what we fought for? If our own culture, which took centuries to evolve, is misrepresented, then the fight is futile. We must recognize that Onam is as much a Hindu festival as Makar Sankranti, and we must confront the historical wrongs committed against marginalized communities within our own religion. Change must begin where it is needed most—in both rural and urban India, where discrimination persists.

Hinduism was never meant to be a rigid dogma; it was designed to be questioned, learned, and rationalized. Our epics—the Ramayana and the Mahabharata—are not myths or either history but reflections of real-life patterns. A prince forced into exile due to political maneuvering, a woman abducted out of lust and power, an outcast seeking alliances—these are not just stories but mirrors of human behavior. Yet, instead of understanding their deeper moral and philosophical lessons, we are stuck either defending or negating them.

Even in matters as personal as food, divisions emerge. What one eats becomes a point of contention, often weaponized to determine one’s devotion or adherence to Hinduism. The vegetarian vs. non-vegetarian debate, instead of being a matter of personal choice, has been turned into a litmus test of faith. But does this align with the spirit of Hinduism, which has long embraced diversity? If dharma is about understanding and balance, then must we not allow space for individual choices rather than rigid classifications?

Section 5: The Role of Religion in a Modern World

Religion alone cannot dictate a country’s direction. Global religious institutions have historically expanded their faith through conquest, and misinterpretations within those institutions have led to inter-religious conflicts. This is not unique to India; it is a universal issue. The Hindu-Muslim tensions today are rooted in these core ideological differences.

Hinduism and Hindutva, as they stand now, are products of history, violence, and political maneuvering. Because India is the only country where Hinduism is the majority, patriotism has become intertwined with religion, creating a complex and often volatile mix.

Section 6: Addressing Counterarguments—Institutionalization vs. Accessibility

Some argue for institutionalizing Hinduism. But institutionalization is not the goal—accessibility and education are. Hinduism does not need rigid structures, but it does need informed engagement. The best way forward is not to impose dogma but to ensure that people have the resources and knowledge to explore their faith deeply and meaningfully.

Others claim that political engagement is necessary for religious survival. While there is some truth to this, political entanglement must not come at the cost of religious integrity. Hindu leaders across the country must come together not with a political agenda but with the goal of education—providing clear, non-partisan interpretations of our texts and traditions. The balance lies in ensuring that faith is not weaponized for power but remains a source of knowledge, resilience, and unity.

Section 7: The Way Forward—Wisdom Over Warfare

So, what is the way forward? Fighting for Dharma where necessary is crucial, but not at the cost of our core values. The priority should be to educate ourselves on our faith, engage in informed discussions, and approach debates with knowledge rather than aggression. The real fight is not about proving superiority but about embodying the very principles that define Hinduism—learning, questioning, and evolving.

We must also discern where faith ends and politics begins. Not every crisis is an existential threat to religion. The most effective way to defend Hinduism is not by abusing others or misinterpreting Krishna’s call for a Dharma Yuddha, but by truly understanding our traditions and history. In times of crisis, the best weapon is not just resistance but wisdom—knowing when to stand firm and when to engage in dialogue.

Conclusion: The Real Dharma Yuddha—A Battle Against Ignorance and Strategy for Survival

India is at the epicenter of an ideological clash. Instead of reactionary cycles, we must step back, reflect, and reclaim our narratives—not through distortion or aggression, but through knowledge. However, coexistence alone is not enough if the other side refuses to coexist. Wars are fought over time—through politics, ideology, and perseverance. We must stay true to our values while preparing for challenges ahead, rather than reacting blindly. Strength lies not just in defense but in foresight, strategy, and an unwavering commitment to dharma.

The real Dharma Yuddha is against ignorance—both within and outside our community. True victory lies not in proving superiority but in fostering coexistence where possible and resilience where necessary. Let wisdom bridge our divides and lead us to a future where understanding, strength, and strategy ensure our survival.