Hindu nationalism, also known as Hindu chauvinism or Hindu supremacy, is a political ideology that emphasizes the promotion and protection of Hindu interests, culture, and identity.
The movement gained significant momentum in the 1990s and 2000s, particularly in India, where it has been linked to various forms of extremism, including violence against minority groups.
- The Hindu nationalist movement has been accused of promoting a narrow and exclusionary definition of Hindu identity, which excludes non-Hindus and other minority groups.
- The movement has been linked to the demolition of the Babri Masjid mosque in Ayodhya in 1992, which was seen as a symbol of Hindu-Muslim tension.
- Hindu nationalists have been involved in various forms of violence against minority groups, including Muslims, Christians, and Scheduled Castes.
- The movement has been criticized for its anti-minority rhetoric and its attempts to undermine the secular principles of the Indian Constitution.
- Hindu nationalists have also been accused of promoting a narrow and distorted view of Hindu history and culture, which excludes the contributions of non-Hindus and other minority groups.
The Hindu nationalist movement has been a subject of controversy and debate in India and abroad, with some viewing it as a legitimate expression of Hindu identity and others seeing it as a threat to democracy and minority rights.