Volume-XII, Issue-V, September 2026 |
The effect of active politics on Matuaism Bhola Nath Biswas, Research Scholar, Department of Political Science, Adamas University, Barasat, Kolkata, West Bengal, India |
Received: 23.09.2026 | Accepted: 29.09.2026 | Published Online: 30.09.2026 | Page No: 277-291 | ||||
DOI: 10.29032/ijhsss.vol.12.issue.05W.392 | |||||||
ABSTRACT | ||
The relationship between politics and religion is reciprocal. Politics influences religion, and religion impacts politics. In fact, politics has an influence on every walk of life. Matuaism is not only a religion but also a community and a movement. It is a Protestant faith in opposition to the Vedic religion, a social movement against hierarchical society, and a political movement in favour of the rights of the oppressed class, particularly the Namasudras. Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur, in their respective times, inspired the Matuas to participate in politics. Without political power, a community cannot secure its rights. As a result, Orakandi in Bangladesh and Thakurnagar in West Bengal became holy religious places. Numerous social movements and political activities have taken place in these places. However, Harichand Thakur and Guruchand Thakur did not engage in politics in any sense. They never raised their voices for their rights through politics. They always sought their rights through simple requests and protests, without directly joining or creating a political party for the Matua community. They used religion to support social movements and politics. However, after their deaths, their followers and descendants joined politics and formed opposing groups within the Matua community. The Thakur family of Thakurnagar has split into two groups. One group, led by Santanu Thakur, supports the BJP, whereas the other group, led by Mamata Thakur, supports the TMC. The differences have sometimes led to division among people who belong to Matua sects. When family members of the Matua sect take part in direct politics, it leads to division among people who belong to Matua sects, which also affects the spiritual aspect of Matuaism. | ||
Keywords: Matua, Active politics, religious aspect, West Bengal, Harichand, Guruchand |