What is Hindutva, and what are the roots of this political movement?
Hindutva is a right-wing political movement that seeks to define Indian identity through a specific interpretation of Hindu values. It emerged in response to British colonialism and has been associated with majoritarian ideologies that often exclude non-Hindu communities. The movement gained momentum with the rise of the Bharatiya Janata Party and its leader, Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
- ▪Hindutva is distinct from Hinduism, representing a political ideology rather than a religious faith.
- ▪The movement has roots in early 20th-century Hindu nationalism, which was shaped by sectarian tensions during British rule.
- ▪Vinayak Savarkar coined the term 'Hindutva' in 1923, promoting a vision of Hindu identity linked to territory and culture.
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EXPLAINERNews|PoliticsWhat is Hindutva, and what are the roots of this political movement?Hindutva is very different from Hinduism. One is a 20th century majoritarian movement, the other an ancient faith.ListenListen (9 mins)SaveClick here to share on social mediashare-nodesSharefacebookxwhatsapp-strokecopylinkgoogleAdd Al Jazeera on GoogleinfoThen-Gujarat Chief Minister - and now prime minister - Narendra Modi along with members of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), performing a salute in Ahmedabad, India, January 1, 2006 [Amit Dave/Reuters]By Hamza GhadbanPublished On 22 May 202622 May 2026On May 14, the high court in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh ruled that the centuries-old Kamal Maula mosque in the city of Dhar was actually a temple dedicated to a Hindu goddess.
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