Hindu Fascism
Hindu Fascism is the 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 the local Indian communities. It is characterized by strong Religiosity, anti-Islamism, support for traditional values and, at times, support for the Caste System. Erroneously, it has been defined the ideology of the RSS[1] and/or of the 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 the wider category of political Fascism.
Prominent Fascist groups & individuals
The "father" of Hindu Fascism is Subhas Chandra Bose.
History
Hindutva has transformed Indian domestic politics and foreign policy since the 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 the 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 the founders and leaders of today’s Hindu fascist organizations.
Strategies
Hindutva’s leaders and followers use the same strategies and tactics as the fascists of the 1930s and 1940s, and the fascists of the 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 the Puranas), which is their original land, and “holy land,” or a spiritual homeland for Hindus. They are the land’s original inhabitants and they simply eant to be left alone.
Caste System
Hindutva’s proponents uphold the and practice the ancient caste system. Hindutva promotes a common culture of Sanskriti rooted in Brahminical traditions that present a hierarchy of castes and uphold vaste arrangement as natural for them. The emphasis on Hindu dharma as the moral code asserts caste duties and roles as governing India’s society and economy, very similar to the fascist society outlined in Plato's Republic. Tradition is at the 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.