Hindutva Ideology and Its Impact on Indian Society: A Historical Overview
- Rise of Hindutva Ideology: Vinayak Damodar Savarkar's "The Essentials of Hindutva" and the RSS shaped a far-right ideology, fostering anti-Muslim sentiments and political polarization in India.
- Systemic Suppression of Minorities: The BJP-led regime implemented policies like revoking Article 370, banning Hijab and Azan, and enabling mob violence, exacerbating the persecution of Muslims.
- Call for Global Intervention: Secularism, inclusive governance, and pressure from international organizations like the UN and Amnesty International are essential to address Hindutva-driven oppression and restore minority rights.
The book The Essentials of Hindutva, written in 1922 by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, laid the foundation for a divisive ideology that defined India as a homeland for Hindus, Jains, and Buddhists, marginalizing other communities. Savarkar’s assertion that Hinduism encompassed India’s socio-economic and cultural landscape resonated deeply with extremist ideologies, paving the way for violent extremism in Indian society. This philosophy inspired the establishment of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), ostensibly in response to the Muslims’ Khilafat Movement, but in reality, as a proponent of Hindutva ideals. The RSS emerged as a significant political and cultural force in India, fueling polarization and shaping the country’s socio-political trajectory.
After India gained independence, the newly-formed nation, led by Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, faced the challenge of establishing a secular, democratic state. Despite the drafting of a constitution under the leadership of B. R. Ambedkar that guaranteed minority rights, these protections were rarely upheld. Violations against minorities were starkly evident as early as 1948 when India sent troops into Jammu and Kashmir, leading to conflict with Pakistan. Although Nehru promised a UN-supervised plebiscite for the Kashmiri people, it was never conducted. Instead, his declaration of Kashmir as an integral part of India provoked resistance from freedom fighters, who were met with brutal crackdowns by Indian troops.
The 1965 war between India and Pakistan over Kashmir ended with the Tashkent Agreement brokered by the UN, but the region remained in turmoil. Successive Indian governments, particularly under the Congress Party, perpetuated violence in Kashmir and against other minorities. During the premierships of Indira Gandhi and Rajiv Gandhi, the Sikh community faced violent suppression, with the Khalistan Movement being blamed on Pakistan’s ISI.
The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), deeply rooted in RSS ideology, gained political prominence in 1989 by capitalizing on anti-Muslim sentiment. The push to reconstruct the Ram Temple at the site of the Babri Masjid became a rallying cry for Hindu voters, supported by far-right groups like Shiv Sena. The 1991 demolition of the Babri Masjid ignited riots, leading to the massacre of Muslims. Successive governments, the judiciary, and political leaders largely failed to deliver justice for these atrocities, further alienating the Muslim community.
In 2002, the Godhra train incident in Gujarat, where 59 Hindus were burned to death, triggered another wave of violence. Muslims were blamed without concrete evidence, and the ensuing riots saw mass killings, rapes, and looting targeting Muslim families. The perpetrators were allegedly shielded by the then Chief Minister of Gujarat, Narendra Modi, earning him the controversial title “Butcher of Gujarat.” Despite this, Modi rose to power, becoming India’s Prime Minister in 2014, and his tenure has seen an escalation in anti-Muslim policies and rhetoric.
Under Modi’s leadership, the BJP consolidated its power, forming governments in several states and enabling the rise of hardline leaders like Yogi Adityanath in Uttar Pradesh. Adityanath’s administration earned the nickname “Bulldozer Baba” for demolishing Muslim properties under dubious pretexts. Prominent cases include the demolition of Muhammad Javed’s house for opposing BJP candidates and the destruction of Haji Raza’s shopping complex after his criticism of Modi.
Violence against Muslims has been widespread, from the razing of a mosque in Gurgaon to the killing of its imam and the South Delhi riots that claimed 65 lives. In Karnataka, a veiled Muslim student was surrounded by a mob but escaped. Such incidents highlight the systemic oppression faced by Muslims across India. The BJP-led government’s revocation of Articles 370 and 35A in 2019, stripping Jammu and Kashmir of its special status, further marginalized Kashmiri Muslims. The region has since been under heavy military presence, with curfews, internet blackouts, and widespread human rights abuses.
The Hindutva ideology has extended its influence beyond politics, affecting business, entertainment, education, and public services. Prominent voices like Arundhati Roy have criticized the BJP and RSS for exploiting anti-Muslim sentiments to consolidate power. In her book Azadi, Roy highlights how Hindutva politics systematically marginalizes Muslims while promoting laws and policies that favor Hindus.
Despite these grim realities, there is hope for change. True secularism, inclusive governance, and the protection of religious freedoms are essential to addressing the plight of India’s minorities. International actors, including the United Nations and global democracies like the United States, must press the Indian government to uphold human rights and constitutional values. Organizations like Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International should continue to advocate for accountability and justice for the victims of Hindutva-driven violence.
In conclusion, Hindutva’s divisive politics have deeply scarred Indian society, perpetuating cycles of violence and discrimination against minorities, particularly Muslims. Addressing these issues requires a collective effort from both domestic and international stakeholders to promote equality, justice, and the principles of secular democracy. Only through such measures can India hope to heal its fractured society and live up to its constitutional ideals.
The author is a freelance writer and used to write on national and international issues.
