A new Hindu identity.

Psychoanalysis of a Hindu ideology

In many parts of India today, especially the northern and central states, a new Hindu identity, Hindutva, is being constructed. It is the basis of an amorphous group of Hindu parties and groups, the Sangh Parivar, and bears only a faint family resemblance to its predecessors. Analysing the fantasies, images and archetypes contained in the campaign speeches of the votaries of this new identity, we can discern some of the stages in its construction.

The first notable feature of the speeches is the way in which they redraw the boundary of the Hindu community by hailing selected gods and heroes who are presented as ideals to be shared by members of the …