Introduction
Hindu nationalism today is an expression of political, social, and social will and tradition. Its foundation is the ancient cultural and spiritual practices that have been established and developed for the most part in the territory of modern India. Its origins and connection are clearly linked to the religious current of Hinduism, which has survived through the ages. Hindu nationalism took its form during the colonial and post-colonial periods and was preceded by a movement toward an awareness of the Indian people’s own unity and independence.
Issue Analysis
The term itself is a slightly incorrect translation from Hindi. In a more accurate version, it can be interpreted as a “Hindu condition,” meaning the expression takes on a deeper meaning. What is called nationalism in modern terms often takes on a more negative attitude in society, even if it is nationalism within the borders of the same country (Wojczewski, 2020). Ideological and religious teachings came together and evolved at the emergence of the need to shape popular thought in order to resist colonialism, the development of economic thinking, and social reform.
In its current state of affairs, Hinduism itself is not a fully identifiable religious commodity but rather a symbiosis of faith and the deep customs of the region. However, the timing of the emergence of the term and the very essence of Hindu nationalism do not coincide (Bhatia, 2022). Some scholars suggest that the movement owes its emergence precisely to India’s conflict with British colonial oppression, but this is not entirely accurate. One can find references by historians to the struggle under the banner of the same ideology, for example, in the 13th-14th century (Chakrabarty & Jha, 2020). The cause at that time was likewise invasion and occupation by Muslim southern countries.
Moreover, this movement and concept can be confused by the uninitiated with Indian nationalism. The main difference is that Indian nationalism unites all inhabitants of India, of all religions and races, and is precisely the manifestation of the national unity of the country’s citizens (Chakrabarty & Jha, 2020). On the other hand, the concept of Hinduism can be perceived more as a quality or characteristic of being Hindu (Chakrabarty & Jha, 2020). It implies spiritual unity and awareness of the importance of being part of one’s people. That is, in concrete terms, it is difficult to attribute this concept only to a religious or philosophical movement.
The connection between the politics of the ruling parties and the state in modern times is still discernible. However, Hindu nationalism cannot be interpreted as a theocracy or a Hindu state. It has nothing to do with government because, during an elementary analysis, it becomes clear that the concepts are on different planes (Bhatia, 2022). The state is a political concept, while Hindu nationalism is a spiritual-psychological concept. It is worth noting that Indian political parties do not always correctly define the meaning and purpose of ideology in their activities, which is not surprising in this environment. Despite this, some of the parties officially refer to themselves as Hindu nationalists and some as Indian nationalists. Indisputably, there are many of the world’s politicians in other countries capable of understanding the depth of motivation and thinking of Indian politicians.
The importance of comparing the state’s political discourse with Hinduism and historical facts are hard to deny. Understanding respect for the past, the ancestors and their deeds, memory, drawing appropriate conclusions, and behavior is essential in the concept (Chakrabarty & Jha, 2020). As such, India is one of the few states that not only remembers its history but tries to build its strategy of development and existence based on the entire development path of the people. In doing so, the country is actively developing economically, technologically, and socially.
It is equally important to note that Hinduism and Hindu nationalism, in addition to the extent of being Hindu, likewise emphasize equality. In today’s diverse society, the problem of racism in India is far less than in many other countries. Moreover, Hinduism itself, with its quiet, tranquil dicta, calls for everyone to be considered equal to themselves but to remember their purpose: to live as Hindus and to value and protect their homeland (Wojczewski, 2020). However, with its overall peaceful orientation, one should not underestimate the ability of true Hindus to defend their own country.
Conclusion
Based on all the above, the thesis of the existence of this phenomenon in India as a result of the unification of the nation as a result of trials and development is confirmed. Few in the contemporary cultural space can boast of a similar depth of ideology imbued with the importance of man’s existence as a citizen of his country. Some qualities and common concepts may not be fully understood in some mentalities, especially among relatively young countries that emerged due to displacement or colonization. On the other hand, the state’s politics are primarily determined by Hindu nationalism, which entails upholding one’s interests and minimizing interference in others.
References
Bhatia, K. V. (2022). Hindu nationalism online: Twitter as discourse and interface. Religions, 13(8), 739. Web.
Chakrabarty, B., & Jha, B. (2020). Hindu nationalism in India: Ideology and politics. Routledge.
Wojczewski, T. (2020). Populism, Hindu nationalism, and foreign policy in India: The politics of representing “the people.” International Studies Review, 22(3), 396–422. Web.