Hindutva

Hindutva, a Sanskrit term, which signifies the values that embody a follower of Hinduism, was formally coined as a philosophy by the RSS (Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh). Since then, this has been a political ideology for many politicians.

The BJP and the Vishwa Hindu Parishad (VHP) have also contributed to the promotion of Hindutva as a political agenda with their aggressive pursuance of the Ayodhya, Mathura and cow slaughter issues. The term has come in for much flak from secular parties, who claim that it incites communalism and hatred among the masses and also spreads a feeling of insecurity among the minority communities.

Catastrophes like the Babri Masjid demolition, the infamous Gujarat riots etc have further added to the negative connotations attached to this word.