African Perspectives on Hinduism and India

While I am not African but a Black American, my interest in Hinduism is piqued by the intriguing stories like the Ramayana, especially the tale of Rama, Sita, and Ravana. This curiosity allows me to see Hinduism as potentially less violent and manipulative compared to Abrahamic religions.

However, I must emphasize that personal feelings towards any religion, including Hinduism, are subjective and not everyone shares the same sentiment. One common belief among Africans is that Indians worship cows. This stereotype, often perpetuated through media like Bollywood, might be affecting the general perception of Hinduism in Africa.

Religious Prejudices and Perceptions

Majority of Africans follow either Christianity or Islam, and followers of these religions often look down upon other faiths. This can greatly impact how African Christians and Muslims view Hinduism.

African Christians

African Christians might view Hinduism as a false religion, believing that its followers would go to hell without repentance and turning back to Christ. Despite this, they are likely to prefer Hinduism over Islam due to the latter's greater following. Additionally, the terrorist activities of some Islamist groups exacerbate this preference.

African Muslims

African Muslims, on the other hand, may perceive followers of Hinduism as evil doers. Nonetheless, they prefer them over Christians as the latter has fewer followers. It's noteworthy that Islam itself holds a somewhat favorable view of Christians compared to Hindus.

These are just my assumptions based on the general dynamics between these religions. However, it's important to understand that individual opinions on these matters can vary widely.

The Aborigines in India

There are indeed native African tribes living in India. They are either members of lower castes like Dalits or attempting to fit into higher castes. These individuals adhere to Hindu customs and practices, living as if they are part of the Sudra caste. For example, they might participate in religious rituals.

Imagine a scenario where an African tries to perform a puja. It’s highly likely that they would be engaging in this act for personal enjoyment rather than deep religious conviction. Regardless of their individual beliefs, they still must obey a Brahmin, under whose blessing they can be upgraded to the Brahmin caste simply by being born as one.

This highlights the complex social dynamics and cultural integration that takes place within the diverse societies of India, particularly for individuals from different cultural and ethnic backgrounds.