Hindu Nationalism: A Reader

Hindu Nationalism: A Reader compiles key texts and writings that trace the development of Hindu nationalist ideology in India from the 19th century to modern times. The collection includes manifestos, speeches, and essays from influential Hindu nationalist leaders and thinkers. The book arranges these primary sources chronologically, providing context and commentary to explain their historical significance and impact on Indian politics and society. Editor Christophe Jaffrelot has selected texts that demonstrate how Hindu nationalist thought evolved from early cultural nationalism to a more political movement. The anthology covers major ideological developments including the formation of the RSS, the rise of the Jana Sangh and BJP parties, and debates over Hindutva philosophy. Sources range from V.D. Savarkar's foundational writings to contemporary political speeches and policy documents. This compilation reveals the complex intellectual foundations of Hindu nationalism and its ongoing influence in shaping modern India's political landscape. The selected texts illuminate how religious and cultural identity became intertwined with nationalism in South Asian political discourse.

Readers note this book provides a thorough compilation of primary sources and historical documents related to Hindu nationalist ideology. Several academic reviewers highlight Jaffrelot's systematic organization and contextualization of the material. Likes: - Clear explanations of complex ideological concepts - Inclusion of hard-to-find historical texts - Detailed annotations and commentary - Balanced perspective on controversial topics Dislikes: - Dense academic writing style - Limited coverage of post-2000 developments - Some translations criticized as imprecise - High price point for a paperback Ratings: Goodreads: 4.1/5 (32 ratings) Amazon: 4.3/5 (12 reviews) Google Books: 4/5 (8 reviews) One academic reviewer on Goodreads noted: "An invaluable resource for understanding the intellectual foundations of Hindutva, though the prose can be difficult for non-specialists." An Amazon reviewer criticized: "Important documents but translations could be better. Some nuances lost from original texts."

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The Brotherhood in Saffron by Walter K. Andersen, Shridhar D. Damle This study provides a detailed account of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) organization and its role in shaping Hindu nationalist ideology.

Religious Nationalism by Peter van der Veer The work analyzes the historical development of religious nationalism in India through examination of colonial-era religious reforms and post-independence political movements.

Making India Hindu by David Ludden This collection presents historical perspectives on the development of Hindu nationalism through analysis of cultural, political, and social transformations in Indian society.

🔸 The term "Hindutva," central to Hindu nationalism and discussed extensively in the book, was first coined by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 1923, who conceptualized it as a political and cultural identity rather than just a religious one. 🔸 Author Christophe Jaffrelot is considered one of France's leading experts on South Asia and has served as Director of CERI (Centre for International Studies and Research) at Sciences Po, Paris. 🔸 The book includes several primary source documents that had never before been translated into English, including writings from prominent Hindu nationalist leaders dating back to the 1920s. 🔸 Hindu nationalism drew significant inspiration from European fascist movements of the 1920s and 1930s, particularly in its emphasis on cultural unity and military discipline, as documented in the book's collected writings. 🔸 The RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh), a key organization in the Hindu nationalist movement covered in the book, was founded in 1925 and is now considered the world's largest voluntary organization with over 6 million active members.