Religious Nationalism, Violence and the Hindutva Movement in India

Abstract

One of the hallmarks of modernity is the triumph of secular nationalism over religion. Interestingly, one of the most remarkable contradictions in the modern world is the dramatic rise in religious nationalism. The situation in contemporary India exemplifies this paradox. Postcolonial India has been largely secularly oriented. At the same time, the entire postcolonial political process has attempted to accommodate all varieties of religious orientation. This strategy has not been effective. Religious loyalties have continued to dominate the political system, while religious nationalism has retained & increased its power. Religiously based violence (particularly Hindutva) is likely to erupt in the future. K. A. Larsen.