What is Hindutva, and what are the roots of this political movement?
Summary
Hindutva is a right-wing political and nationalist movement in India that defines national identity through a specific interpretation of Hindu values. It began in the early 20th century as a reaction to colonial rule and has grown into a political force linked to the ruling Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). The movement promotes Hindu culture as central to India's identity and often disputes the presence of Islamic sites, such as the recent court ruling in Madhya Pradesh that reclassified a mosque as a Hindu temple.Key Facts
- On May 14, a court in Madhya Pradesh ruled that the Kamal Maula mosque was originally a Hindu temple.
- Supporters of Hindu far-right groups celebrated and raised saffron flags at the site shortly after the ruling.
- Hindutva is a political ideology that sees Hindu culture as the core of Indian identity and wants India to be a Hindu nation.
- The word "Hindutva" means "Hindu essence" or "Hindu identity."
- The idea of Hindutva was first introduced by Vinayak Savarkar in 1923.
- Hindutva grew out of early 20th-century Hindu nationalism, which was shaped during British rule and the partition of India in 1947.
- The Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded in 1925, is a major organization promoting Hindutva through cultural and social activities.
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Narendra Modi, supports the Hindutva ideology.
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