Hindutva

Definition

Hindutva is an ideology that seeks to define Indian culture in terms of Hindu values and promote the notion of India as a Hindu nation. Emerging in the early 20th century, this concept has fueled religious resurgence among Hindus, emphasizing cultural nationalism and the revival of Hindu identity in the face of perceived threats from other religions and globalization.

5 Must Know Facts For Your Next Test

1. Hindutva was articulated by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in his 1923 pamphlet, where he argued for a Hindu nation based on cultural and religious identity.
2. The ideology gained prominence with the formation of the RSS, which sought to mobilize Hindu society around shared cultural values and a sense of national pride.
3. Hindutva has been associated with several communal riots in India, reflecting tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities and highlighting the complexities of religious identity.
4. The rise of the BJP in the 1990s brought Hindutva into mainstream politics, leading to significant shifts in policies and public discourse around Hindu nationalism.
5. Hindutva is often critiqued for its exclusionary nature, as it tends to marginalize non-Hindu communities and raises concerns about the secular fabric of Indian society.

Review Questions

• How does Hindutva shape the identity and political landscape in contemporary India?
  • Hindutva plays a significant role in shaping both cultural identity and the political landscape in India by promoting the idea of a Hindu nation. This ideology encourages Hindus to unite under a common cultural identity, often leading to increased visibility of Hindu symbols and practices in public life. Politically, it influences parties like the BJP to frame their policies around Hindu values, affecting governance and social dynamics across different communities.
• Evaluate the impact of Hindutva on inter-religious relations within India.
  • The impact of Hindutva on inter-religious relations in India has been profound and often contentious. It has led to heightened tensions between Hindu and Muslim communities, resulting in violence and communal riots. The promotion of a singular Hindu identity can alienate non-Hindu populations, challenging the principles of secularism that have historically governed India's diverse society. Critics argue that this polarization undermines social cohesion and increases communal strife.
• Analyze how the rise of Hindutva challenges traditional notions of secularism in India and its implications for democracy.
  • The rise of Hindutva poses significant challenges to traditional notions of secularism in India by advocating for a political landscape where Hindu values dominate public policy and discourse. This shift raises critical questions about the role of religion in governance and whether a truly secular state can exist alongside an ideology that prioritizes one religious identity over others. The implications for democracy are profound; as Hindutva gains traction, it risks marginalizing minority voices and undermining pluralism, potentially leading to an erosion of democratic principles rooted in equality and freedom for all citizens.

Related terms

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS): A right-wing Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1925 that promotes Hindutva and aims to unify Hindus in India.

Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP): A major political party in India that advocates for Hindutva and has played a significant role in promoting Hindu nationalism since its rise to power.

Secularism:

The principle of separating religion from political, social, and educational institutions, which has been challenged by the rise of Hindutva in India.