Hindutva definitions
| Word backwards | avtudniH |
|---|---|
| Part of speech | Hindutva is a noun. |
| Syllabic division | Hin-dut-va |
| Plural | The plural of Hindutva is Hindutvas. |
| Total letters | 8 |
| Vogais (3) | i,u,a |
| Consonants (5) | h,n,d,t,v |
Hindutva, a term derived from Hindu + tva (meaning quality or state), is a nationalist ideology that seeks to define Indian culture and society based on Hindu values. It is often associated with the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), a right-wing Hindu nationalist organization founded in 1925, and its political arm, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP).
Origins
Hindutva was coined by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 1923 in his pamphlet 'Hindutva: Who is a Hindu?' He argued that Indian identity should be based on a cultural and nationalistic sense of being Hindu, rather than just a religious identity. Savarkar believed that Hindus are not just those who practice the religion of Hinduism, but also those who consider India as their motherland and holy land.
Core Beliefs
Hindutva emphasizes the cultural and historical unity of India and promotes the idea of "Hindu Rashtra" or a Hindu nation. It seeks to protect and promote Hindu culture, traditions, and values in the face of perceived threats from other religions and cultures. It also advocates for the adoption of Hindu practices and beliefs in public life and governance.
Controversies
Hindutva has been a subject of controversy due to its association with majoritarianism and Hindu fundamentalism. Critics argue that it promotes religious intolerance and undermines the secular principles of the Indian constitution. The ideology has also been linked to incidents of communal violence and discrimination against religious minorities in India.
Despite the criticisms, Hindutva has gained political traction in India in recent decades, with the BJP coming to power at the national level in 2014 and 2019 under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi. The ideology continues to shape public discourse and policy in India, sparking debates about the nature of Indian identity and the future of secularism in the country.
Hindutva Examples
- The political party promotes Hindutva as its core ideology.
- Scholars debate the implications of Hindutva on secularism in India.
- Critics argue that Hindutva ideology excludes marginalized communities.
- Supporters of Hindutva advocate for a Hindu-centric social and political structure.
- The rise of Hindutva has sparked tensions among religious groups in the country.
- Hindutva organizations have been involved in various social welfare activities.
- Some consider Hindutva to be a form of cultural nationalism.
- Hindutva leaders are known for their strong stance on national security issues.
- The impact of Hindutva on India's foreign relations is a topic of discussion among experts.
- Opposition parties often criticize the ruling party for its association with Hindutva ideology.