HINDUTVA: THE SHAPING OF A NEW "HINDU" IDENTITY

In: Politics & policy, Band 26, Heft 1, S. 201-217

Abstract

This paper examines the Hindu‐Muslim conflict in India within the context of nationalist party politics in the sub‐continent. This paper analyzes the environment within which the Hindu nationalist message was and is currently being formulated; the organizational structure of the movement; and the symbols and strategies that have helped to popularize the message on Hindutva in recent years. The paper concludes with an analysis of the popular response to Hindutva and the problems facing the BJP and Us parent organizations in carrying out the program toward a revolutionized Hindu rashtra. The aim is to provide an understanding of the historical and political forces at work in the recent anti‐Muslim violence in India.