Hindu Nationalism: Punitive Political Ideology of the Modern State of India

Abstract

The paper examines the rise of Hindu nationalism from both theoretical and practical perspectives. The polarization of Indian politics between the Hindutva right wing and secular left wing has created a divide among the Indian people. The overall targeting of minorities in the society especially Muslims has intensified communal violence and greater rivalry between different religious communities. This ideological division violates the very essence of multi-culturalism of which India raises loud slogans. Multi-culturalism necessitates recognition of a number of political, social, cultural, religious and social rights of minorities living in a country. India has always been vocal of supporting plurality and acknowledging diversity as its strength. But the reality is otherwise. In this backdrop, the article suggests an all-inclusive approach adopted by India in order to justify itself being purely secular and truly democratic through its actions (and not just by words).