During the colonial era, Christian missionary activities and the emergence of neo-Hinduism significantly shaped the religious discourse in India. Missionaries, often backed by colonial authorities, sought to convert Indians to Christianity, emphasizing the perceived superiority of Western religious and moral values. Their efforts, including the establishment of schools and hospitals, introduced new ideas but also fostered resistance among the local population.

This resistance led to the emergence of neo-Hinduism, a reformist movement that sought to reinterpret and revitalize Hindu traditions in response to the colonial critique. Leaders like Swami Vivekananda and Dayananda Saraswati played pivotal roles in this movement. They emphasized the philosophical richness and spiritual depth of Hinduism, countering missionary claims of Hindu inferiority. Neo-Hinduism also absorbed certain Western ideas, such as rationalism and universalism, to present Hinduism as a modern, rational religion compatible with contemporary values.

The interaction between missionary activities and neo-Hinduism resulted in a complex religious discourse, where Hindu identity was redefined and strengthened. This period saw the formation of a more self-conscious Hinduism, capable of standing against both colonial rule and the global religious landscape.