Ethical Religion vs Ritual Religion in Bankim’s Philosophy

Abstract

I propose a critical philosophical analysis of Bankim Chandra Chattopadhyay’s distinction between ethical and ritual religion, placing his ideas in nineteenth-century India and assessing their relevance today. The paper contends that Bankim’s redefinition of dharma shifts from ceremonial formality to an ethically grounded understanding of religion that emphasizes morality, intellectual thought, and social responsibility. Based on his seminal work Dharmatattva and modern scholars’ analyses, this study shows how Bankim criticizes mechanical ritual practices without ethical substance and promotes a religion based on truth, self-discipline, and humanity’s welfare. The paper also examines Bankim’s intellectual foundations, focusing on his synthesis of ancient Indian traditions with Western rationalism and utilitarianism. It also investigates his views’ wider ramifications for nationalism and social reform, showing how ethical religion unites and transforms society. Bankim’s difference helps address religious fundamentalism, social inequity, and moral regeneration, in my opinion. This study concludes that Bankim’s ethical religion is logical, inclusive, and socially relevant, transcending ritualism, adding to modern debates on religion.