A Brief History of the Eternal Religion: A Genealogy of Sanātana Dharma

There is no evidence to support the common belief that the original Sanskrit name for the religion now known as Hinduism was Sanātana Dharma. The term occurs fairly frequently in classical and medieval Sanskrit literature but never as a general name for the religious beliefs and practices of people living in India. It was first used as the equivalent of Hinduism during the late colonial period, when conservative and progressive Hindus were debating the nature of their religion. This was an instance of “traditionalization,” by which groups and individuals respond to an uncertain present by evoking an idealized past. During the late nineteenth century, the term became an element of Indian cultural nationalism. Since then, it has figured in attempts by religious leaders and politicians to construct a Hindu saṅgaṭhan, or organization. Many understandings of Sanātana Dharma in the sense of Hinduism are based on conservative interpretations of the religion that include commitment to the varṇāśrama-dharma system. Some thinkers, however, have offered progressive interpretations of Sanātana Dharma.