Page:An Essay On Hinduism.pdf/18
the world of to-day as it is. The provisional theory pre- ceding this point and the scientific method for restoring the history of tribes, have been discussed in the Appendix II. The main portion of this book is given to throw light on some phases of social evolution resulting from the communications and commerce of the tribes. In the chapter VIII on the theory of social evolution, I have described two types of tribes, viz. natural tribes and theophratries and the two processes of the formation of the larger bodies, namely, the process of contact and the process of religions or theophratries. Of the causes which bring about larger social groups and larger social consciousness, I have described two, namely the spread of religions and political conquest. I have then described the process called by the term integration which welds the communities brought together under one system into one social group.
I have shown that the process of integration of society had not been working in India as there was no successful attempt made by any Hindu state to bring India under one control, and also because no theophratry had succeeded in absorbing the whole of India. In the next chapter on the future of Hinduism I have described two factors which will create integration of Indian society—namely: (i) insistence on the ideal of territorial community as against the tribal conception, and (ii) the creation of national aristocracy. This territorial ideal could be achieved (a) by the creation of common territorial tradition, and territorial law; (b) by increase in the assimilative powers of the community.
The chapters on the future of Hinduism and future of religions involve speculation regarding the future of India and also of the entire world. The forecast is made to the