Making India Hindu

Making India Hindu examines the rise of Hindu nationalism and religious identity politics in modern India. The book consists of essays from multiple scholars analyzing how Hindutva ideology has shaped Indian society and politics. The text traces historical developments from the colonial period through independence and into contemporary times. It explores the construction of Hindu identity, the role of political movements, and the transformation of religious symbols into nationalist markers. Specific case studies look at regional variations in how Hindu nationalism manifests across different parts of India. The analysis covers both urban and rural contexts, examining how religious politics intersects with caste, class, and gender. The collection provides a framework for understanding religious nationalism not just in India but as a broader phenomenon affecting identity formation and political mobilization in modernizing societies. Through its multifaceted approach, it reveals the complex interplay between religion, politics, and social change.

Readers note this book offers perspectives from scholars on religious nationalism and Hindu identity politics in India. Reviews highlight the comprehensive analysis of social and political factors involved in the rise of Hindutva. Readers appreciated: - Detailed historical context of religious movements in India - Multiple academic viewpoints rather than a single narrative - Documentation of regional variations in Hindu nationalism Common criticisms: - Dense academic writing style that can be difficult to follow - Some chapters feel disconnected from the main themes - Limited coverage of post-1990s developments Reviews across platforms: Goodreads: 3.8/5 (12 ratings) Amazon: Not enough reviews for rating One reader on Goodreads commented: "Provides important historical background but requires significant prior knowledge of Indian politics." Due to its academic nature, the book has limited reviews on mainstream platforms. Most discussion appears in academic journals and scholarly forums rather than consumer review sites.

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🔷 The book examines how Hindu nationalist politics transformed India's religious identities, exploring the shift from religious pluralism to a more monolithic Hindu identity in modern India. 🔷 David Ludden, the author, has spent over four decades studying South Asian history and served as professor at several prestigious institutions, including the University of Pennsylvania and New York University. 🔷 The term "Hindutva" (Hindu-ness), which features prominently in the book, was first coined by Vinayak Damodar Savarkar in 1923 and marked a crucial turning point in the politicization of Hindu identity. 🔷 The book illustrates how colonial-era census categorizations and British administrative practices inadvertently contributed to the solidification of religious identities in India. 🔷 Several contributors to the book demonstrate how religious processions and festivals, which were once fluid and inclusive events, became increasingly politicized and exclusionary during the 20th century.