An IASH Work-in-Progress seminar, delivered by Dr Chinmayee Satpathy (Visiting Research Fellow 2022)
Decolonization of Religion and Indian Nationalism: A Study of Jagannath Temple at Puri, Odisha, India from 19th to 20th Century
In a multi-cultural religiously diverse nation like India, people from varied castes, classes, groups, communities and territories identify themselves in terms of religion in larger national context. The flourishing history of India talks about religious pluralism which is thriving for thousand years. The religion as a powerful instrument intersects all aspects of life that helps in constructing identity of common men in India. But, under the influence of colonialism, the people were divided on religious lines which gave major setback to Indian nationalism. In 1946-47, India was partitioned on religious lines into two independent nations-such as India (Hindu) and Pakistan (Muslim). The Second World War also gave serious blow to colonial powers which led to decolonization of religion resulting in radical transformation of religious thoughts, deconstruction of religious values & ideologies putting an end to colonial way of thinking. The decolonization of religion led to introduction of Religious Studies in academic disciplines in many educational institutions in India. The religion is incorporated into legal structures, especially into Indian Constitution which guarantees freedom of religion to all Indian citizens in Article 25 of Indian Constitution to protect religious freedom. The political parties use religious freedom as politicized concept to serve their own political interests. The decolonization process was rigorous after India got its independence from British Rule which has brought many changes in culture, values, tradition, belief and principles and are deeply connected with Indian religious pluralism. It has also influenced on how people think, behave, interact and communicate with one another and play important role in decolonizing Indian mind. The decolonization of religion resulted in inclusion of past & contemporary views from neo-colonial perspectives.
Lord Jagannath is an important Hindu deity of the Vedic Sanatana Dharma and Jagannath Temple at Puri is a holy shrine for all Hindus in India and the world. The British referred to Jagannath as 'Juggernaut' which means a huge, powerful and overwhelming force (Webster Dictionary) who regulates the socio-cultural and religious lives of the people of Odisha and India as well. Jagannath is not simply a religious symbol, but embodiment of Indian national identity, culture and heritage. Further, the greatness of Jagannath Culture is that it has embraced all other sects and religions such as Buddhism, Jainism Sikhism into its fold. Lord Jagannath remains a source of identity, loyalty and sentiment in upholding national legacy. The profound impact of Jagannath Culture is also felt in art, culture, painting, dance, music and all other fabrics of Indian life. The British were aware of the sanctity of Jagannath temple and took steps for protection of its property, valuable assets and treasures. In the year 1806, the British enacted legislation for administration and management of Jagannath Temple and the King of Khurda (Puri Gajapati) was appointed as hereditary superintendent of the temple under supervision of the British. However, in the year 1840, the King of Puri was vested with the absolute authority of Jagannath temple and pilgrim tax was abolished. The East India Company made arrangements for collection of huge donation and finance for operation and maintenance of the holy shrine of Lord Jagannath at Puri.
The Jagannath Culture is deep rooted in Indian psyche that influence almost all aspects of life. The decolonization left its imprints on Jagannath Culture and Philosophy to great extent. There has been gradual shift in thoughts, ideas, imagination and creative expression in dance, music, art, craft, paintings and other facets of Indian life. Some examples are that, as per tradition of Jagannath Temple the Mahari dance performed by the Devadasis in the temple at Puri. But, later it was publicly performed outside temple and renamed as Odissi dance and got it classical status in 1950s. The Patta Painting or Jatri-Patti was presented as a memento to the pilgrims when they go back to their homes after darshan of Jagannath. Later new touch was given to the traditional form of Patta Painting. So also, number of devotional songs, prose and poetry etc. on Jagannath Culture are composed in recent times. The most significant example is Rath Yatra, which is a grand festival of Jagannath not observed in Puri alone but is also celebrated as a global festival in all major cities of the world with great joy and ecstasy by the people of all castes, religions and territories.
Please note that this talk will be online-only. Please click the link below to join the webinar:
https://ed-ac-uk.zoom.us/j/86535202023
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