Daijiworld Media Network - Bangalore (RJP)
Bangalore, Sep 22: Former Karnataka chief minister M Veerappa Moily has kicked off a controversy or at least a debate by saying that the word 'Hindu' is not Indian, but introduced by Muslims.
Speaking at a book launching function at Central College in Bangalore on Sunday September 21, Moily said that the word Hindu was introduced by the Muslims in the medieval age.
He said, "The word Hindu was invented by the Muslims. They wanted to separate people living in India from them. They called us Hindus. There is no mention of the word Hindu in Vedas, Upanishads or any other Indian books."
He also said that the Indians were the first to denounce caste system but unfortunately because of the selfishness of the people, caste system has still remained in India. He felt that caste system should have been abolished when the Constitution was introduced. He urged that it should be abolished immediately with the introduction of new laws.
Former Prime Minister H D Deve Gowda disagreed with Moily saying that he should not raise such issues from the ancient and medieval age.
Sri Rama Sene chief Pramod Muthalik condemned Moily's statement.