ABSTRACT
The purpose of this chapter is (a) to discuss the gradual emergence and spread of a Hindu sense of an all-India religious identity and (b) to explore the origin and significance of the term ‘Hinduism’, including the part it played in further developing this type of awareness. While the term was important for Europeans (who appear to have coined the word in the first place) it was readily adopted, especially by western-educated Hindus. It not only became a reference point and focus of feeling and debate, but was used as a method of mobilization and self-defence in the struggle against missionaries and colonizers especially during the later stages of British rule. In conclusion, the chapter discusses how these findings relate to ongoing debates centred on ideas and definitions of ‘Hinduism’.
