Hindutva is a political and cultural ideology that promotes the idea that India should be shaped primarily by Hindu culture, values, and historical identity. The term “Hindutva,” meaning “Hinduness,” was popularized by Indian nationalist thinker Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in the early 20th century. He developed and clearly defined the concept in his 1923 book Hindutva: Who Is a Hindu?, where he argued that Indian national identity is closely tied to Hindu heritage and civilization.
The roots of Hindutva can be traced back to the late 19th and early 20th centuries during British colonial rule in India. At that time, several Hindu nationalist thinkers believed that Hindu society needed to become more united in response to colonial rule and the growing influence of other religious and political movements. This period saw the rise of efforts to strengthen Hindu identity as a way of building political and cultural cohesion.
One of the most important organizations that helped shape and spread Hindutva ideology is the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), founded in 1925. The RSS focused on promoting Hindu unity, discipline, and cultural identity through grassroots organization and social training. Over time, its influence expanded significantly within Indian society.
Another major political force linked to Hindutva is the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), which emerged as a leading national party advocating Hindu nationalist ideas. In recent decades, Hindutva has become more prominent in Indian politics, especially under the leadership of Prime Minister Narendra Modi.
Supporters of Hindutva argue that it promotes national unity, cultural revival, and pride in India’s ancient civilization. However, critics argue that it can marginalize religious minorities such as Muslims and Christians and challenge India’s secular constitution, which separates religion from state affairs.
As a result, Hindutva remains a highly debated and influential ideology in modern Indian politics, shaping discussions on identity, religion, and nationalism both within India and internationally.