Nissim Mannathukkaren, "Hindu Nationalism in South India: The Rise of Saffron in Kerala" (Routledge, 2024)
Dec 9, 2024
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In this discussion, Nissim Mannathukkaren, a professor specializing in leftist movements and politics, dissects the unexpected rise of Hindu nationalism in Kerala. He challenges the idea of Hindu nationalism as a fleeting phenomenon, identifying deep-rooted historical and ideological factors at play. Mannathukkaren also examines the unique socio-political context of South India, contrasts it with the North, and highlights the emergence of Neo-Hindutva, exploring its cultural dynamics and implications on gender and caste. A thought-provoking take on a complex issue!
The emergence of Hindu nationalism in Kerala challenges its perceived socio-political exceptionality, highlighting its ideological evolution despite previous academic downplay.
Differences in local cultural contexts show how Hindu nationalism adapts regionally, with Kerala's diverse religious fabric shaping its unique engagement with Hindutva.
Deep dives
Exploring Hindu Nationalism in Kerala
The discussion centers on the emergence of Hindu nationalism in Kerala, challenging the perception of the state as a socio-political anomaly without significant Hindu nationalist presence. The edited volume highlights the ideological evolution and political growth of Hindu nationalism in Kerala, despite previous academic discourse downplaying its relevance. By comparing Kerala's situation with other South Indian states, the book asserts that Hindu nationalism's trajectory cannot be dismissed as a mere aberration and must be mapped accurately to reflect its increasing influence. This comparative analysis aims to dispel the myth of Kerala’s exceptionalism and emphasizes the necessity for focused scholarship on the dynamics of Hindu nationalism in the region.
Regional Variations of Hindu Nationalism
The investigation into Hindu nationalism in South India reveals critical differences from its northern counterpart, particularly in how the movement engages with local cultures and politics. Historical and cultural distinctions in Southern India, such as strong linguistic identities and the historical spread of Islam, contribute to a unique social landscape that influences the dynamics of Hindutva. For example, practices like cow vigilantism, prevalent in northern states, lack traction in Kerala due to the state's diverse religious fabric and common dietary practices across communities. These regional variations highlight the need to examine Hindu nationalism through the lens of local contexts to better understand its changing role in South India.
Dialects of Neo-Hindutva: Soft and Hard Approaches
The podcast explains the concept of Neo-Hindutva, which consists of both hard and soft variants that illustrate how Hindu nationalism adapts to regional and cultural contexts. The hard version is characterized by aggressive tactics and violence, whereas the soft version can be viewed through non-violent cultural practices that still further the Hindutva agenda. By recognizing this distinction, it is evident that while Hindu nationalism may not always express itself through overt political campaigns, its cultural penetration plays a crucial role in shaping societal attitudes towards Hindu identity. This nuanced understanding assists in revealing how these different forms of Neo-Hindutva contribute to the broader ideological landscape in different parts of India.
Cultural Dynamics Beyond Electoral Politics
The edited volume asserts the importance of focusing on cultural aspects of Hindu nationalism rather than solely on electoral politics, which has traditionally dominated scholarship. By examining how Hindu identity is constructed through cultural traditions, temple practices, and social welfare activities, the volume highlights the mechanisms through which Hindu nationalism permeates everyday life in Kerala. Such cultural manifestations are not always framed as political, yet they contribute to a larger narrative that influences voter behavior and social perceptions. Ultimately, acknowledging these non-electoral dimensions of Hindutva underscores a multifaceted understanding of its rise in Kerala and similar contexts.
Hindu Nationalism in South India: The Rise of Saffron in Kerala (Routledge, 2024) engages with a range of factors that shapes the trajectory of Hindu nationalism in Kerala, the southern state of India. Until recently, Kerala was considered a socio-political exception which had no room for Hindu nationalism. This book questions such Panglossian prognosis and shows the need to map the ideological and political growth of Hindu nationalism which has been downplayed in the academic discourse as temporary aberrations. The introduction to the book places Kerala in the context of South India. Arguing that Hindutva is a real force which needs to be contended within theoretical and empirical terms, the chapters in this book examine Hindu nationalism in Kerala in relation to themes such as history, caste, culture, post-truth, ideology, gender, politics, and the Indian national space. Considering the rise of Hindu nationalism in the recent years, this pioneering book will be of interest to a students and academics studying Politics, in particular Nationalism, Asian Politics and Religion and Politics and South Asian Studies.
Professor Mannathukkaren’s main research interests are focused on left/communist movements, development and democracy, modernity, the politics of popular culture (esp., the politics of mass cultural forms like the media, cinema and sport), and Marxist and postcolonial theories. The thrust of his research has been to develop a theoretical and empirical critique of postcolonial theory and postmodern thought. At the same time, he has argued for a dialogue with postmodern-inspired frameworks of knowledge and to creatively integrate them to overcome the serious deficiencies of many modernist understandings of human social reality (which have translated into arrogant and teleological assumptions).