Religious Nationalism in Contemporary South Asia

This Element explores religious nationalism in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism, focusing on India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. It highlights how colonial experiences and modern-day fears contribute to the belief that other groups pose a threat to the survival of their respective religions. Hindu and Buddhist nationalists fear the Muslim minority and their secular allies, while Sikhs fear minorities within India and the state. Muslims in Pakistan also face threats from secularists and minority sects. Nationalists in all cases advocate for the state to adopt or promote their religious ideology.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 75 pages
Publication date: 01 September 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

This Element delves into the phenomenon of religious nationalism in Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Sikhism, examining its manifestation in India, Pakistan, and Sri Lanka. At its core, nationalist ideology posits that the survival of their group is jeopardized by another group. These fears, deeply ingrained in the colonial past and exacerbated in the modern era, often revolve around the Muslim minority and their secular allies. For Hindu and Buddhist nationalists, the primary source of anxiety lies in the Muslim community and their supporters. For Sikhs, the primary concern revolves around minorities within India, while Muslims in Pakistan face a more dynamic and multifaceted fear, encompassing secularists and minority sects such as Shias and Ahmadis. In all these contexts, the groups express apprehensions about the immediate threat to their religious practices and expressions. Furthermore, Hindu, Buddhist, and Muslim nationalists advocate for the state to adopt or promote their religious ideology.

In India, religious nationalism has been a prominent feature of the country's political landscape for several decades. Hindu nationalists, who advocate for the establishment of a Hindu nation, have been a vocal and influential force in Indian politics. They argue that India's identity is rooted in Hinduism and that the country should prioritize the interests of the Hindu community. Hindu nationalists have been accused of promoting discrimination against Muslims and other religious minorities, particularly during periods of political unrest.

Similarly, in Pakistan, religious nationalism has played a significant role in shaping the country's political discourse. Muslim nationalists, who advocate for the creation of a separate Muslim-majority state, have been a powerful force in Pakistani politics. They argue that Pakistan's identity is rooted in Islam and that the country should prioritize the interests of the Muslim community. Muslim nationalists have been accused of promoting discrimination against Hindus and other religious minorities, particularly during periods of political unrest.

In Sri Lanka, religious nationalism has also been a prominent feature of the country's political landscape. Buddhist nationalists, who advocate for the establishment of a Buddhist nation, have been a vocal and influential force in Sri Lankan politics. They argue that Sri Lanka's identity is rooted in Buddhism and that the country should prioritize the interests of the Buddhist community. Buddhist nationalists have been accused of promoting discrimination against Muslims and other religious minorities, particularly during periods of political unrest.

Despite these challenges, religious nationalism has also played a positive role in promoting social cohesion and national identity in some regions. In India, for example, the Hindu nationalist movement has been credited with uniting Hindus across different social and economic backgrounds, promoting a sense of shared cultural heritage and pride. In Pakistan, the Muslim nationalist movement has been credited with promoting a sense of Muslim identity and pride, particularly among the marginalized and oppressed communities.

However, religious nationalism has also been criticized for promoting divisiveness and violence. In India, for example, the Hindu nationalist movement has been associated with communal violence and tensions between Hindus and Muslims. In Pakistan, the Muslim nationalist movement has been associated with terrorist groups and violence against non-Muslims.

In conclusion, religious nationalism is a complex and multifaceted phenomenon that manifests in different ways in different regions. While it can promote social cohesion and national identity, it can also lead to discrimination and violence. It is important for governments and communities to address the underlying causes of religious nationalism and promote dialogue and understanding between different religious groups.

Weight: 116g
Dimension: 126 x 177 x 10 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781108825672