Hindu Origins and Key Organisations in the UK

• Individual Hindus and small groups have been present in the UK over many centuries. But it was with immigration from the New Commonwealth in the middle of 20^th century, and subsequent refugee movements of people that substantial numbers of Hindus settled here.

• There are considerable linguistic, social, philosophical and other diversities among Hindus (see A Short Introduction to Hinduism) in the UK. This includes a range of different linguistic and regional groups, including Gujaratis, Punjabis, Bengalis and Tamils.

• Jati or caste groups continue to play a significant role, especially among Gujarati Hindus from social networking through to voluntary and economic support, including, for example, Lohanas and Mochis.

• Sampradayas or spiritual movements – such as Swaminaryan and Pushtimarg are also important. There may also be alignment with one of the 6 classical traditions of Hindu philosophy (dvaita and advaita, ‘dualist’ and ‘non-dualist’.

• Finally, there are groups such as the Arya Samaj and the Ramakrishna Mission, and the International Society for Krishna Consciousness.

• The National Council of Hindu Temples and Vishwa Hindu Parishad UK have been among national umbrella organisations for Hindus in the UK. More recently, the Hindu Council of the UK has been formed. At regional level, there are bodies such as The Hindu Council of Birmingham.

Written by Professor Paul Weller