New Books in Political Science Hindutva and Anti-Christian Violence in Contemporary India
Oct 24, 2025
Kenneth Bo Nielsen, a social anthropologist, and M. Sudhir Selvaraj, a political scientist, dive into the troubling rise of anti-Christian violence in India. They discuss historical roots linked to colonial attitudes and the evolution of contemporary violence fueled by social media. The guests explore how state dynamics influence strategies, with case studies from Orissa and Karnataka. They also critique anti-conversion laws that disguise discrimination under a secular facade, emphasizing the need for further research into this pressing issue.
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Sharp Rise In Anti-Christian Violence
- Anti-Christian violence in India has surged sharply since 2014, with documented incidents increasing fourfold by 2023.
- Most attacks are by right-wing Hindu nationalist groups and include beatings, service disruptions, and church desecrations.
Long Historical Roots Of Hostility
- Anti-Christian sentiments date back to the late 1800s and were amplified by colonial-era missionary activity and early censuses.
- Post-independence structural forms like anti-conversion laws and denial of Dalit Christian rights persisted as long-term violence.
Synthesis Of Violence In The Contemporary Phase
- Contemporary violence synthesizes direct, structural, and cultural forms, often enforced extrajudicially by Sangh-affiliated groups.
- New laws emphasize targeting institutions, foreign funding, and deny Dalit Christians affirmative-state benefits.