Analysis

Hindutva, as an ideological construct rooted in Hindu nationalism, has evolved from its initial emergence within Indian political discourse to a broader framework of regional dominance and expansionism across South Asia. While its proponents advocate Hindutva as a cultural revival of Hindu identity, critics argue that it operates as a hegemonic project designed to reconstruct the political, cultural, and social structures of the region. Drawing parallels with the territorial annexation policies of Zionism, Hindutva redefines boundaries of legitimacy, branding traditions, beliefs, and practices outside Hindu customs as foreign or illegitimate. This expansionist vision is not confined to India but extends its influence into the internal dynamics of neighboring sovereign states and communities aspiring for independence within South Asia. The institutional framework supporting Hindutva is centered on organizations such as the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its political counterpart, the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP). Over the years, Hindutva has transitioned from cultural nationalism to assertive expansionist policies aimed at securing India's regional hegemony. These policies are often justified through narratives of communal violence, which frame neighboring countries such as Bangladesh, Nepal, and Sri Lanka as integral to a broader Hindu cultural domain.