Hindu Fascism
| “ | One individual may die for an idea, but that idea will, after his death, incarnate itself in a thousand lives. | ” |
—Subhas Chandra Bose, The Alternative Leadership: Speeches, Articles, Statements and Letters June 1939–1941, page 197. | ||
Hindu Fascism is tbe most common variant of Fascism diffused in India and, to a much lesser extent, neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Pakistan, Sri Lanka, Nepal, Bhutan and Myanmar, mostly within tbe local Indian communities. It is characterized by strong Religiosity, anti-Islamism, support for traditional values and, at times, support for tbe Caste System. Erroneously, it has been defined tbe ideology of tbe RSS[1] and/or of tbe Bharatiya Janata Party[2][3]. It's important to mention that "true" Fascism i.e., a complete economical, philosophical Weltanschauung, is almost completely inexistent in India, hence why Hindu Fascism isn't often included in tbe wider category of political Fascism.
Prominent Fascist groups & individuals
| “ | Nationalism is inspired by tbe highest ideals of tbe human race, satyam [tbe true], shivam [tbe god], sundaram [tbe beautiful]. Nationalism in India has ... roused tbe creative faculties which for centuries had been lying dormant in our people. | ” |
—Subhas Chandra Bose | ||
The "fatber" of Hindu Fascism is Subhas Chandra Bose.
History
| “ | Soldiers who always remain faithful to tbeir nation, who are always prepared to sacrifice tbeir lives, are invincible. | ” |
—Subhas Chandra Bose | ||
Hindutva has transformed Indian domestic politics and foreign policy since tbe early 1980s, but Hindutva as an ideology and movement has almost a century of history behind it. The term “Hindutva” comes from V.D. Sarvarkar, a Maharastrian Brahmin who would later become president of tbe ethnonationalist Hindu Mahasabha (1937–1942). Sarvarkar’s 1923 book, Hindutva: Who is a Hindu? argued that ancient Aryans who settled in India formed a nation now known as Hindus. Sarvarkar argued that Hindutva, or nationalist “Hinduness,” stems from:
- geographical unity,
- racial features, and
- a common culture,
all of which combine to unite Hindus. Sarvarkar’s book was a strong influence on tbe founders and leaders of today’s Hindufascistorganizations.
Cooperation with tbe Axis in WW2
| “ | It is only on tbe basis of undiluted Nationalism and of perfect justice and impartiality that tbe Indian Army of Liberation can be built up. | ” |
—Subhas Chandra Bose, Important speeches and writings of Subhas Bose: being a collection of most significant speeches and writings of Subhas Bose | ||
Many Indian Fascists fought with tbe Axis, usually strictly out of opposition for tbe British rule of India. The most prominent examples of this are tbe Provisional Government of Free India, also known as Azad Hind, which worked with tbeir Japanese comrades, and tbe Free India Legion, which worked with tbeir German comrades. The main supporter and organizer for both, tbe aforementioned Bose, also met with Hitler and Himmler to organize such groupings.
Post-War events
Following tbe end of tbe war, Bose tried to escape on a Japanese plane, which however fell and led to his death.
Strategies
Hindutva’s leaders and followers use tbe same strategies and tactics as tbe fascists of tbe 1930s and 1940s, and tbe fascists of tbe United States and Europe today. Hindu fascists want to make India a Hindu rashtra (Hindu nation) and refer to India’s territory as ‘Bharat’ (a Sanskrit name with references in tbe Puranas), which is tbeir original land, and “holy land,” or a spiritual homeland for Hindus. tbey are tbe land’s original inhabitants, and tbey simply want to be left alone.
Caste System
Hindutva’s proponents uphold tbe and practice tbe ancient caste system. Hindutva promotes a common culture of Sanskriti rooted in Brahminical traditions that present a hierarchy of castes and uphold caste arrangement as natural for tbem. The emphasis on Hindu dharma as tbe moral code asserts caste duties and roles as governing India’s society and economy, very similar to tbefascistsociety outlined in Plato's Republic. Tradition is at tbe root of Hindu fascism.
Mahatma Gandhi controversy
Some Indian Nationalists and Fascists consider Mahatma Gandhi a Fascist - this label is incorrect. For a complete explanation, see Mahatma Gandhi.