From Secular to Sectarian? Tracing Hindu Extremism in India

What happens when a nation’s cultural identity becomes a battleground? Welcome to India, where Hindu extremism shapes not only political discourse but also the everyday lives of its citizens. The landscape is marked by rising nationalism and religious fervor. In this environment, people fiercely contest the essence of what it means to be Indian.

Despite being a secular and democratic state, religious extremism has been a part of Indian society and culture at large. Since Hinduism is the largest religion in India, myriad Hindu extremist organisations in the country have gained significant attention over the years due to their aggressive promotion of Hindutva ideology. This rise in Hindu extremism in India has transformed the political landscape and deeply affected social interactions.

Hindutva advocates for Hindu supremacy and often positions itself against minority communities, particularly Muslims and Christians. 

Hence, Hindu extremist organisations believe in the creation of a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu nation) where the Hindu identity dominates every aspect of life, including culture, politics, and society. 

The Sangh Parivar: Understanding Hindu Extremism

Most Hindu extremist organizations in India operate under the Sangh Parivar. This term serves as an umbrella for a collection of Hindutva organizations affiliated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS). These include the political party Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), the religious organization Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), the student union Akhil Bharatiya Vidyarthi Parishad (ABVP), the religious militant organization Bajrang Dal, and the workers’ union Bharatiya Kisan Sangh. It also encompasses ideologically aligned groups like the Shiv Sena.

Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)

RSS was founded in 1925 by Keshav Baliram Hedgewar in Maharashtra, India, as part of the movement against British rule and in response to Hindu-Muslim riots. Influenced by the ideas of Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, Hedgewar envisioned the RSS as a disciplined group dedicated to the protection of Hindu interests. 

The Indian government banned the RSS for four days in 1947 and then three times after independence: first in 1948, when Nathuram Godse, an erstwhile member of the RSS, assassinated Mahatma Gandhi; then during The Emergency from 1975 to 1977; and for a third time after the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992. Currently, the RSS operates in full swing in India under the BJP government.

RSS is known to have nearly 53 official affiliates including VHP and BJP. There are also many smaller and regional organisations affiliated with the RSS. 

Additionally, the RSS itself operates through shakhas (local branches), which are physical centres where daily or weekly meetings take place. According to RSS Officials, it runs over 72,000 shakhas across India, with more being established in rural and urban areas. It aims to establish 100,000 shakhas (local branches) by 2025 in celebration of the 100th anniversary of the RSS. It has also overseas Shakhas in different countries like the US, UK, and some Middle Eastern states.

Also See: The Rise of Hindutva Fascism and the Indian Muslims

Major Branches of the Sangh Parivar

This table highlights the major branches, their areas of focus, and their regional strongholds within India.

• Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS): The RSS is the ideological parent of many Hindu nationalist organisations and promotes Hindutva. It seeks to establish a Hindu cultural dominance in India. Though the RSS publicly condemns violence, observers have linked it to several acts of communal aggression.
• Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP): The VHP focuses on promoting Hinduism and protecting what it perceives as the interests of Hindus worldwide. It conducts aggressive campaigns to convert Christians and Muslims back to Hinduism, which it refers to as “Ghar Wapsi.” Additionally, the VHP advocates for the construction of Hindu temples, particularly the Ram Temple in Ayodhya.
• Bajrang Dal: The Bajrang Dal engages in vigilante activities. It adopts a militant stance against what it perceives as threats to Hinduism. These threats include religious conversions, cow slaughter, and interfaith relationships, often termed “Love Jihad.”
• Sanatan Sanstha: Sanatan Sanstha promotes a rigid form of Hinduism based on religious purification and traditional values. It has been accused of promoting violent extremism to defend Hinduism.
• Akhil Bharatiya Hindu Mahasabha: One of the oldest Hindu nationalist organizations in India, the Hindu Mahasabha promotes the idea of India as a Hindu nation and was once closely associated with figures like Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, a key proponent of Hindutva ideology.
• Abhinav Bharat: People have accused Abhinav Bharat, a radical Hindu nationalist group, of involvement in terrorism. It seeks to establish Hindu dominance through violence if necessary.
• Sri Ram Sena: Known for its moral policing and anti-Western stance, Sri Ram Sena promotes the protection of Indian culture, often through violent means. It opposes what it perceives as Western influence on Indian youth, such as dating, pub culture, and interfaith marriages.
• Hindu Janajagruti Samiti: This organisation works to create awareness among Hindus about perceived threats to their religion and to mobilise people for the defence of Hindu values and traditions.
• Hindu Swayamsevak Sangh (HSS): This is the overseas wing of the Hindu nationalist  Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS)^.

Implications of Hindu Extremism

As we dissect the rise of Hindu extremism, it becomes clear that Hindutva is not just a fringe ideology; it’s deeply woven into the political and social fabric of modern India. 

A toxic blend of nationalism and identity politics exacerbates the undercurrents of the Hindu extremism movement. The Sangh Parivar has adeptly exploited the surge in nationalistic sentiment, often merging cultural pride with religious fanaticism. This shift represents more than the assertiveness of a majority; it actively seeks to construct a narrative that marginalises and delegitimizes minority voices, escalating communal tensions.

Consequences of a Hindu Rashtra Vision

While the BJP leverages these sentiments to achieve electoral success, society cannot overlook the social ramifications of a fractured community. The vision of a Hindu Rashtra not only undermines the principles of pluralism enshrined in the Indian Constitution but also threatens the intercommunal relations.

The strategic mobilisation of these extremist groups has resulted in a marked increase in violence against minorities, often cloaked in the guise of cultural resurgence. Such extremism resonates particularly among youth, who encounter a singular narrative that demonizes “the other.” Therefore, it is essential to scrutinize not only the ideologies of these groups but also the societal conditions that allow such extremist views to take root.

The Path Forward: Diversity or Division?

In conclusion, the rise of Hindu extremism in India is more than a political trend; it signifies a profound societal transformation that impacts everyone, from ordinary citizens to the very core of democracy. As the Sangh Parivar extends its influence, we must ask ourselves: What kind of India do the Indians envision? One that embraces diversity, or one that prioritises a singular identity? This choice lies with the Indians as they journey through this intricate and often tumultuous landscape.

Engaging in dialogue, enabling inclusivity, and standing against hatred are not merely political actions. They represent the collective responsibility of Indians to ensure that India’s heart beats for all its people. Moreover, the rise of Hindu extremism extends beyond India. It sparks global conversations about nationalism, identity, and the future of democratic ideals. To neutralize this trend, promoting understanding, tolerance, and inclusivity is essential. This is a clarion call for all Indians—young and old—to engage in discussions that celebrate unity. It is also a call to reaffirm the values of democracy and secularism before it is too late.

The real question is: In the India of tomorrow, will Indians choose to uplift each other, or will they let division define the nation?

SAT Commentaries’ are social media threads by various authors, reproduced here for website use. Views are their own

SAT Commentary

SAT Commentaries, a collection of insightful social media threads on current events and social issues, featuring diverse perspectives from various authors.

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