The tragedy of Hinduism has been that it's devotees have always chosen paganism over religiosity. For the great majority of Hindus religion is primarily about exacting worldly favours through the appeasement of a million gods. This has resulted in the subservience of the common man towards any form of authoritarian power. Unsurprisingly, it is the politicians who have wonderfully exploited this weakness. Even today, a significant number of successful and educated Indians nurture the idea of a vocation in politics, less out of a sense of social obligation towards the masses than a weird obsession with wielding power. In the history of human ideas, the Hindu shall be forever remembered, even revered, for the formulation of the Vedantic philosophy which holds a pressing relevance in our contemporary existence. But that noble, truthful and ultimately exulted outlook towards the universe has never held any interest for the average Hindu. He is only too happy to indulge in ever absurd rituals to ensure happiness and prosperity.
