<?xml version="1.0" encoding="UTF-8"?>
<!DOCTYPE article PUBLIC "-//NLM//DTD JATS (Z39.96) Journal Publishing DTD v1.2d1 20170631//EN" "JATS-journalpublishing1.dtd">
<ArticleSet>
  <Article>
    <Journal>
      <PublisherName>ejsss</PublisherName>
      <JournalTitle>ELECTRONIC JOURNAL OF SOCIAL AND STRATEGIC STUDIES</JournalTitle>
      <PISSN/>
      <EISSN/>
      <Volume-Issue>Volume 5 Special Issue VI</Volume-Issue>
      <PartNumber/>
      <IssueTopic>Multidisciplinary</IssueTopic>
      <IssueLanguage>English</IssueLanguage>
      <Season>July 2024</Season>
      <SpecialIssue>N</SpecialIssue>
      <SupplementaryIssue>N</SupplementaryIssue>
      <IssueOA>Y</IssueOA>
      <PubDate>
        <Year>2024</Year>
        <Month>07</Month>
        <Day>31</Day>
      </PubDate>
      <ArticleType>Sociology</ArticleType>
      <ArticleTitle>Can Hinduism Take a Joke? Humour, Blasphemy, and the Future of Artistic Expression in Modern India</ArticleTitle>
      <SubTitle/>
      <ArticleLanguage>English</ArticleLanguage>
      <ArticleOA>Y</ArticleOA>
      <FirstPage>107</FirstPage>
      <LastPage>129</LastPage>
      <AuthorList>
        <Author>
          <FirstName>Mridu Madhuvita Sharma</FirstName>
          <LastName/>
          <AuthorLanguage>English</AuthorLanguage>
          <Affiliation/>
          <CorrespondingAuthor>N</CorrespondingAuthor>
          <ORCID/>
        </Author>
      </AuthorList>
      <DOI>10.47362/EJSSS.2024.5606</DOI>
      <Abstract>This study explores the complex relationship between humour, satire, and artistic expression in relation to blasphemy within Hinduism. Moving beyond a rigid definition of blasphemy, the research investigates the __doublequotosingLine of Offense__doublequotosing, the blurry boundary between artistic expression intended to amuse or critique, and deliberate acts that cause outrage.&#13;
&#13;
Humour and satire function as powerful tools in Hinduism, with a rich tradition of mocking revered figures and doctrines to spark social discourse and religious critique. The study examines how this __doublequotosingPower of Mockery__doublequotosing has been wielded throughout history, considering the evolving nature of blasphemy and Hindu tolerance for such expressions.&#13;
&#13;
Furthermore, the research delves into the unique role of religion in shaping societal attitudes towards humour and satire. Compared to other religions, Hinduism__ampersandsign#39;s approach to blasphemy is analysed, highlighting its emphasis on tolerance and debate. The study concludes by tracing the __doublequotosingEvolution of Blasphemy__doublequotosing within Hinduism, exploring how the concept has been reinterpreted and debated over time.&#13;
&#13;
By examining the complex relationship between humour, artistic expression, and blasphemy in Hinduism, this study aims to shed light on the duality of this ancient religion. Hinduism can be both liberating, offering diverse paths to the divine, and oppressive, enforcing strict social hierarchies and gender norms. This study explores how humour and artistic expression navigate this complex landscape, both reinforcing and challenging the established law.</Abstract>
      <AbstractLanguage>English</AbstractLanguage>
      <Keywords>Humour, Artistic Expression, Satire, Blasphemy, Hinduism, Tolerance, Freedom of Expression, Gender, Evolution of Blasphemy, Law.</Keywords>
      <URLs>
        <Abstract>https://ejsss.net.in/ubijournal-v1copy/journals/abstract.php?article_id=15313&amp;title=Can Hinduism Take a Joke? Humour, Blasphemy, and the Future of Artistic Expression in Modern India</Abstract>
      </URLs>
      <References>
        <ReferencesarticleTitle>References</ReferencesarticleTitle>
        <ReferencesfirstPage>16</ReferencesfirstPage>
        <ReferenceslastPage>19</ReferenceslastPage>
        <References>Putra, I. E., Wagner, W., Holtz, P., and; Rufaedah,     A. (2021). Accounting for a riot: Religious identity, denying oneand;#39;s prejudice, and the tool of blasphemy. Journal of Social and Political Psychology, 9(1), 69-85. https://doi.org/10.5964/jspp.5565 [Added DOI]&#13;
&#13;
Qadri, M., and; Mufti, S. (2015). Films and religion: An analysis of Aamir Khan’s PK. Journal of Religion and; Film, 20(1).&#13;
&#13;
Snow, D. A., and; Morrill, J. (1995). Symbolic interactionism and religious biography. Religion, 25(1), 3-19.&#13;
&#13;
Coleman, E. B., and; White, K. (Eds.). (2006). Negotiating the sacred: Blasphemy and sacrilege in a multicultural society. ANU Press.&#13;
&#13;
Prieto, J. M., and; Altungy, P. (2021). Religions with or without sense of humor: A psychological perspective. Religions, 12(12), 1093.&#13;
&#13;
Doniger, W. (2015, January 22). #JeSuisCharlie: Blasphemy in Hinduism and Censorship in India [Blog post]. The University of Chicago Divinity School.&#13;
&#13;
Haidt, J., and; Graham, J. (2007).  The moral foundations theory: Social intuitionism and the intrinsic morality of interpersonal relationships. Psychological Inquiry, 18(1), 3-28).&#13;
&#13;
Doniger, W. (2015, May 21). Prelude to Censorship: The Toleration of Blasphemy in Ancient India [Blog post]. The University of Chicago Divinity School.&#13;
&#13;
Sengupta, R. (2021, February 02). Bollywood Is a Major Target for Right Wing Groups Looking for Signs of ‘Hinduphobia’. The Wire. https://thewire.in/film/bollywood-target-right-wing-groups-hinduphobia-tandav&#13;
&#13;
Reicher, S. D., Spears, R., and; Postmes, T. (1995). Social identity model of deindividuation phenomena. European Review of Social Psychology, 6(1), 161-198.&#13;
&#13;
Jaffrelot, C. (2016). Indiaand;#39;s silence on religious violence. Princeton University Press.&#13;
&#13;
Pew Research Center. (2021, June 29). Religion in India: Tolerance and segregation. https://www.pewresearch.org/religion/2021/06/29/religion-in-india-tolerance-and-segregation/&#13;
&#13;
Human Rights Watch. (2016, May 24). How India’s archaic laws have a chilling effect on dissent. https://www.hrw.org/asia/india&#13;
&#13;
Kadam, A. (2022). Legal Tightrope Walk for Artists and Satirists: Fear of Prosecution Hangs Heavy. The Times of India.&#13;
&#13;
Wagner, U., Fischer-Preand;szlig;ler, D., Lindemann, M., and; Schand;auml;fer, T. (2020). The transitions from anger to contempt. Emotion, 20(1), 138–153.&#13;
&#13;
Holtz, P., and; Wagner, U. (2012). Collective victim beliefs: A comparison of group-based humiliation and inferiority. Group Processes and; Intergroup Relations, 15(1), 49–63.&#13;
&#13;
Drury, J., and; Reicher, S. (2000). The intergroup dynamics of collective empowerment: Substantiating the social identity model of crowd behavior. Group Processes and; Intergroup Relations, 3(4), 351–370.&#13;
&#13;
Rao, R. R., and; Raghavan, V. (1996). A History of Indian Cinema. Oxford University Press.&#13;
&#13;
Burton, G. (2013). Indian cinema: The Bollywood saga. Edinburgh University Press.&#13;
&#13;
Qadri, M. (2016). Indian Film PK: Sparking Debate on Religious Practices. Film Criticism, 40(2), 1-22.&#13;
&#13;
Bhushan, N. (2015). and;#39;PKand;#39;: Film Review. The Hollywood Reporter. &#13;
&#13;
hinduexistence.org. (2014). Hindu Existence.&#13;
&#13;
Rangan, B. (2015). Controversy. The Hindu.&#13;
&#13;
Shukla, V. (2015). Oh My God: A Critical Review. Indian Film Critics Association Journal, 2(1), 45-67.&#13;
&#13;
Venniyoor, V. (2024). The Power Dynamics of Religious Iconography: Selective Perception in Indian Societies. Journal of Cultural Studies, 10(2), 145-167.&#13;
&#13;
Pillai, R. (2023). Satire in Indian Cinema: Walking the Tightrope. *Journal of Indian Film Studies, 7*(3), 223-240.&#13;
&#13;
Prieto, J., and; Altungy, E. (2020). Homores religiosus versus ridens: Religion and laughter at the dawn of Homo sapiens. Journal of Prehistoric Humour, 12(1), 78-92.&#13;
&#13;
Doniger, W. (2015). The Hindus: An Alternative History. Penguin Random House.&#13;
&#13;
The Hindu. (2017). Hindu Sentiments Hurt by Dhoni Depiction. Retrieved from https://www.thehindu.com/opinion/editorial/tale-of-two-sections/article18195720.ece&#13;
&#13;
Young, R. (2019). Political Humour and Satire: A Critical Review. Journal of Political Communication, 15(2), 89-105.&#13;
&#13;
Test, G. (2008). The Nature of Satire: Aggression, Play, Laughter, and Judgment. Satire Studies, 3(1), 23-41.&#13;
&#13;
Caufield, R. (2012). Political Humour and Satire: A Comparative Analysis. International Journal of Political Science, 8(2), 67-82.&#13;
&#13;
Mead, G. H. (1934). Mind, Self, and Society. University of Chicago Press.&#13;
&#13;
Supreme Court of India. (2017). MS Dhoni v. State of Anantpur. Retrieved from https://ilps.in/intention-is-the-primary-test-to-penalise-any-act-as-outraging-religious-beliefs-under-section-295a-of-the-indian-penal-code/&#13;
&#13;
Baumeister, R. F. (2010). Introduction: Meanings and motives. In R. F. Baumeister (Ed.), The cultural animal: Human nature, meaning, and social life (pp. 1-20). Oxford University Press.&#13;
&#13;
Lou, J. Q. (2021). Social media and misinformation. Oxford Research Encyclopedia of Communication.&#13;
&#13;
Pew Research Center. (2021). Religion in India: Tolerance and segregation. https://www.pewforum.org/2021/06/29/religion-in-india-tolerance-and-segregation/&#13;
&#13;
Ray, S. (Director). (1960). Devi [Film]. India: Government of West Bengal.&#13;
&#13;
Shreya Singhal v. Union of India, (2015) 5 SCC 1.&#13;
&#13;
Boutang, P. A. (1989). Satyajit Ray: A conversation with Satyajit Ray. Cinand;eacute;ma.&#13;
&#13;
Tandon, N. (2019). Husainand;#39;s and;#39;Bharat Mataand;#39; art: Understanding the controversy. https://www.indianlink.com.au/india-in-australia/husains-bharat-mata-art-understanding-the-controversy/&#13;
&#13;
The Constitution of India. (1949). Ministry of Law and Justice, Government of India. https://www.india.gov.in/sites/upload_files/npi/files/coi_part_full.pdf&#13;
&#13;
Sengupta, J. (2008). A historical overview of the Kama Sutra. The International Journal of Humanities and; Social Studies, 6(3), 63-66.&#13;
&#13;
Singh, N. K. (2008). The Supreme Court on obscene publications. Indian Law Journal, 2(1), 67-74.&#13;
&#13;
Vivekananda, S. (1907). The complete works of Swami Vivekananda. Vol. 4. Advaita Ashrama.&#13;
&#13;
Venkatesan, S. (2012). Is Hinduism really a religion of non-violence and feminism as opposed to Christianity and Islam? The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/belief/2012/dec/28/hinduism-violence-feminism-christianity-islam&#13;
&#13;
Devdutt.com. (n.d.). Blasphemy and Sedition: Same Difference. Retrieved May 16, 2024, from https://devdutt.com/blasphemy-and-sedition-same-difference/&#13;
&#13;
Venkatesan, S. (2014). The myth of Hinduism as a religion of non-violence. The Guardian. https://www.theguardian.com/commentisfree/2014/oct/01/hinduism-violent-narendra-modi&#13;
&#13;
Bala, A. (2015). Women in ancient India. Open Magazine. https://openthemagazine.com/features/women-in-ancient-india/&#13;
&#13;
Chakrabarti, D. K. (2000). The Oxford companion to Indian archaeology: The archaeological foundations of ancient India. Oxford University Press.&#13;
&#13;
Patel, N. (2019). Colonial myths and the role of women in Hinduism. The Hindu. https://www.thehindu.com/society/history-and-culture/colonial-myths-and-the-role-of-women-in-hinduism/article30202169.ece</References>
      </References>
    </Journal>
  </Article>
</ArticleSet>