Page:An Essay On Hinduism.pdf/152

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THEORY OF SOCIAL EVOLUTION
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able to produce is greater. Again, within the theophratry there is less distinction of race or tribe, because the formation of a new tribe is aimed at, and therefore there is some appearance of equality. Again, the basis of the unification is simple. All that is required is a common worship and common theological doctrine.

The working of the process of contact which led to the formation of Hinduism, has some advantages as well as disadvantages. The latter are mainly these. There is no inducement to adopt the doctrine of the equality of tribes. As the formation of a new tribe is not aimed at, the old tribal distinctions are preserved. As the various original differences do exist, the tribes remain separate as they were before, and as a natural result they often become grouped in a hierarchy. These various tribes which are brought together are not bound together by all-pervading strong ties. To unite them strongly into one group and to promote greater uniformity some other feelings are necessary.

In India there was no feeling of Hindu unity until the foreign theophratries of Mahomet and Christ made their appearance. This feeling of uniformity is created by contrast – contrast in the theological doctrines, gods, dress, manners and customs.

India is at present a battle-ground of religions and other theophratries. Each theophratry. is trying its best to gain converts. But it is not likely that any of these will succeed in absorbing the entire population. The chances for a new theophratry are still less. Any attempt to unite India by the process of theophratry means promotion of mutual hatred and the postponement of Indian unity.

The feeling for theophratry is not only injurious to