India's Hindu nationalists take 17th-century king as new anti-Muslim symbol
Summary
Hindu nationalist groups in India have been putting up statues of the 17th-century king Shivaji in many cities since 2022. These statues are used as symbols representing Hindu resistance against Muslims, a minority group that has faced increasing hostility under Prime Minister Narendra Modi's ruling party.Key Facts
- Statues of King Shivaji, some up to 27 meters tall, have been installed in various Indian states, including Telangana and Ladakh.
- The statues are sometimes put up secretly by nationalist groups, sometimes with help from local officials or the military.
- Shivaji was a 17th-century king known for fighting against the Muslim Mughal emperor Aurangzeb.
- Hindu nationalist groups like the RSS use Shivaji as a symbol of Hindu strength against Muslims.
- The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), led by Prime Minister Modi, has supported projects promoting Shivaji’s legacy.
- Experts say this campaign is part of a larger political effort by the BJP to make India culturally Hindu, even though the constitution says India is a secular country.
- Since BJP came to power in 2014, religious minorities, especially Muslims and Christians, have faced more intolerance.
- The BJP’s campaign aligns with a long-term goal to emphasize Hindu culture and identity in India’s national narrative.
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