The Rise of Hinduphobia: Break the silence
Hinduphobia is rising globally. It's time to break the silence and condemn it
In recent years, the world has witnessed a disturbing rise in Hinduphobia, fueled by white supremacists and Islamist radicals. This growing hatred towards Hindus and Hinduism has manifested in various forms, from online memes mocking the religion to physical violence and political marginalization. While the world is quick to condemn bigotry against Abrahamic religions, there seems to be a deafening silence when it comes to the hatred directed towards non-Abrahamic faiths, particularly Hinduism.
A White supremist uses racial slurs against a Hindu man in Poland
What is Hinduphobia?
Hinduphobia is a set of antagonistic, destructive, and derogatory attitudes and behaviors towards Sanatana Dharma (Hinduism) and Hindus that may manifest as prejudice, fear, or hatred.
In July 2022, Network Contagion Lab released The Rutgers University report titled "Anti-Hindu Disinformation: A Case Study of Hinduphobia on Social Media". It examines the spread of anti-Hindu disinformation and the proliferation of Hinduphobic content on various social media platforms.
The report's first half outlines the disturbing rise of anti-Hindu rhetoric in online extremist circles, which has led to an "explosion of anti-Hindu tropes." These include offensive memes and inside jokes that are widely shared on platforms like Twitter and Reddit. The report also discusses how these hate-filled narratives are often amplified by foreign actors. These actors allegedly exploit Hinduphobia to inflame ethnic tensions between Hindus and Muslims, both within India and in broader geopolitical conflicts.
The Influence of Islamist Radicals and Iran's Propaganda
Islamist radicals, both within and outside India, have been instrumental in stoking anti-Hindu sentiments. Iran, in particular, has played a key role by funding social media campaigns targeting Indians and Hinduism.
Few months ago, Maharasthra anti-terror squad found an 8 paged document from a Popular front of India(PFI) office, which reveals their plans to transform India into an Islamic nation by 2047
“How far will Muslims obey the authority of a Government manned and controlled by the Hindus? The answer to this question need not call for much inquiry. To the Muslims a Hindu is a Kaffir. A Kaffir is not worthy of respect. He is low born and without status. That is why a country which is ruled by a Kaffir is Dar-ul-Harb to a Mussalman. Given this, no further evidence seems to be necessary to prove that the Muslims will not obey a Hindu Government. The basic feel- ings of deference and sympathy, which predispose persons to obey the authority of Government, do not simply exist. But if proof is wanted, there is no dearth of it. It is so abundant that the problem is what to tender and what to omit.”
- Pakistan or Partition of India (Page 294) - BR Ambedkar
The Role of Western Media and Radical Mouthpieces
Western media has played a significant role in fueling Hinduphobia and anti-India sentiments, by spreading fear-mongering narratives and promoting biased portrayals of Hinduism. Take, for example, the recent Manipur conflict, which was instigated by Kukis, many of whom are immigrants from Myanmar. Despite the clear origins of the violence, the media quickly framed the issue as a case of Christians being unsafe in India. This narrative is not only misleading but also dangerous, as it perpetuates a false image of India as a hostile environment for minorities.
On 2023, just one year before the general elections, BBC released a documentary called “India: The Modi Question” .The documentary talks about the 2002 Gujarat Riots, which happened when Modi was the chief minister of Gujarat. Narendra Modi was given clean chit by the Gujarat High court and Supreme court of India.
The riots were aftermath of Godhra train massacre, in which over 2000 Muslims stormed the bogy and attacked the Hindu pilgrims present.
On 2021, a New York times journalist’s post sparked outrage on social media, highlighting perceived biases against Hinduism in mainstream media.
On the same year, NYT was seeking for an anti-Modi journalist to run their operations in South Asia
Narendra Modi is a Hindu nationalist leader, just like how Donald Trump is a Christian nationalist. Both these people have been targets of various media outlets and George Soros funded toolkits.
Why is Hinduphobia Rising?
The rise of Hinduphobia can be attributed to several factors, the most significant being the lack of a global Hindu empire. Unlike many other major religions, Hinduism did not expand through conquests or forced conversions. It has largely remained within the Indian subcontinent, where it originated, evolved, and continues to thrive. This lack of expansionism often been perceived as a sign of weakness, leading to a global underestimation of the religion's cultural and spiritual depth.
Another reason for the rise in Hinduphobia is the absence of an "official" Hindu nation. While over a billion Hindus live in India, the country is recognized as a secular state rather than a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation).
The majority of Hindus in India are committed to maintaining the country's secular fabric, ensuring that all religions are treated equally.
The term "secular" was not originally included in the Indian Constitution when it was adopted in 1950. Despite this, India was already a secular country in practice. The word "secular" was officially added to the Preamble of the Indian Constitution during the Emergency period in 1976 through the 42nd Amendment, under the leadership of then-Prime Minister Indira Gandhi. The addition was part of a larger strategy by the Congress Party, which is to appease the minorities.
“But if inspite of it all some irascible Moslem sections amongst our countrymen object even to this name of our Country, that is no reason why we should play cowards to our own conscience. We Hindus must not betray or break up the continu- ity of our Nation from the Sindhus in Rigvedic days to the Hindus of our own generation which is implied in "Hindustan," the accepted appellation of our Mother Land. Just as the land of the Germans is Germany, of 'the English England, of the Turks Turkisthan, of the Afghans Afghanisthan even so we must have it indelibly impressed on the map of the earth for all times to come a "Hindustan "the land of the Hindus."
- Pakistan and Partition of India (Page 125) - BR Ambedkar
In 1947,The country was seperated on grounds of religion,according to interests of Muslims. Parts of Areas in Sindh, where Hinduism originated went to Pakistan, where Hindu population is declining rapidly due to persecution.
The version of secularism practiced by the Congress Party(Liberals) and the leftists, has always been biased against the majority Hindu community while appeasing minority communities. This approach has led to a form of pseudo-secularism that selectively addresses religious concerns, often at the expense of Hindu interests.
Still, Hindu temples are owned and controlled by the government in many states, unlike places of worship of other religions which enjoy greater autonomy. This control over Hindu temples often leads to mismanagement and diversion of temple funds, which would otherwise be used for the benefit of the Hindu community. In contrast, mosques, churches, and gurudwaras are managed by their respective communities without governmental interference, allowing them to operate more freely and utilize their resources for their intended purposes.
The bias towards Hindus is not just limited within political parties. Celebrities, also have double standards. The "All Eyes on Rafah" campaign in May, championed by Indian celebrities and their followers, is a prime example of selective activism. While these figures were quick to draw attention to the plight of Palestinians, they have remained silent on the attacks against Hindus in Bangladesh!
Many celebrities suddenly start to care about animals while Diwali festival approaches in India. But these same people use fire crackers on other occasions, forgetting about animals. Also, their eyes and mouth get shut when millions of goats get slaughtered on every Eid.
Lack of unity among Hindus and the inclusive approach they uphold is often exploited by radicals who spread fear and misinformation, painting Hindus as oppressors in their homeland.
“I am not afraid of Muslims . I am not afraid of Britishers . But I am afraid of Hindus against Hinduism”
-Veer Savarkar
Hindus doesn’t have an organised society. RSS (Rasthriya Svayamsevak Sangh) is a Hindu nationalist organisation started in 1925, advocating for unity among Hindus. Organisations affiliated with RSS are called as Sanghparivar organisations. India’s current ruling party BJP, headed by Narendra Modi is a political wing of RSS.
“The Hindus and the Moslems as we find them, their relations a bit bettered, perhaps a bit worsened. No realist can be blind to the probability that the extra-territorial designs and the secret urge goading on the Moslems to transform India into a Moslem state may at any time confront the Hindustani state even under self-government either with a Civil War or treacherous overtures to alien invaders by the Moslems. Then again there is every likelihood that there will ever continue at least for a century to come a danger of fanatical riots, the scramble for services, legislative seats, weight- ages out of proportion to their population on the part of the Moslem minority and consequently a constant danger threatening internal peace. To checkmate this probability which if we are wise we must always keep in view even after Hindustan attains the status of a self-governing country, a powerful and exclusive organization of Hindudom like the Hindu Maha Sabha will always prove a sure and devoted source of strength, a reserve force for the Hindus to fall back upon to voice their grievances more effectively than the joint Parliament can do, to scent danger ahead, to warn the Hindus in time against it and to fight out if need be any treacherous design to which the joint state itself may unwittingly fall a victim.”
- Pakistan or Partition of India (Page 123) - BR Ambedkar
Now, let’s address some of the misconceptions that leads to mockery or hatred towards Hinduism
The Cow Worship Myth: Ignorance and Mockery
One of the most prevalent forms of Hinduphobia comes from the mockery of India's reverence for cows. White supremacists and Islamist radicals often create and share memes that ridicule Hindus for "worshipping cows," displaying their ignorance of the cultural and religious significance behind this practice. What they fail to understand is that Hindus do not worship cows in the literal sense; rather, they respect and honor them.
In Hinduism, the cow is a symbol of life and fertility, revered for its nurturing role in society. For thousands of years, cows have been integral to the livelihood of Indian communities, providing milk, dung for fuel, and even serving as beasts of burden in agriculture. The cow's sacred status is akin to the respect Muslims have for pigs, which are considered unclean and forbidden in Islam. Yet, while mocking Hindu beliefs, these individuals conveniently ignore the similar sanctity of their own religious symbols.
India is one of the largest consumers of milk globally, and cow milk is a crucial part of the diet for millions of people. The bond between Hindus and cows is deeply rooted in history and tradition, and it is this cultural connection that drives the opposition to cow slaughter. However, those who profit from the slaughter industry, driven by their own economic interests, often refuse to acknowledge or respect this cultural significance, dismissing it with disdain.
The radicals also spread memes that Hindus are unhygienic.
The Prophet (ﷺ) said "If a house fly falls in the drink of anyone of you, he should dip it (in the drink) and take it out, for one of its wings has a disease and the other has the cure for the disease."
- Sahih al-Bukhari 3320
Interesting! The radicals also make memes about certain Indians drinking cow urine.
And Tabarani and Bayhaqi narrated with an authentic chain of transmission from Hukaymah daughter of Umaymah from her mother (Umaymah) who said, the Prophet (May Allah bless him and grant him peace) had a wooden bowl in which He used to urinate which was placed under his bed. One night he searched for it but did not find it and asked for it saying, “Where is the bowl?” The members of the house replied “Barrah, the slave girl of Umm Salamah, drank it.” (Barrah had come with Umm Salamah from Habashah with her.)
The Prophet replied, “Surely she has protected herself from the fire with a great wall!”Source: https://islamicvirtues.com/2013/12/02/benefits-of-drinking-the-blessed-urine-of-our-holy-prophet-s/
Sati and Hinduism: A common misconception
Sati, was the name of the devoted daughter of King Daksha,who married Lord Shiva despite her father's disapproval. When Daksha held a grand yajna (sacrifice) and intentionally excluded Shiva, Sati attended uninvited and, unable to bear the insult to her husband, immolated herself in the sacrificial fire. Grief-stricken, Shiva unleashed his fury, creating Veerabhadra, who destroyed the yajna and beheaded Daksha. Shiva then wandered the universe, carrying Sati's body, until Lord Vishnu dismembered it, leading to the creation of 51 Shakti Peethas, sacred sites where her body parts fell. Sati was later reborn as Parvati, the daughter of Himavan, and through intense penance, she reunited with Shiva.
This is the narrative that is said to be the cause of a practise called “Sati pratha”. But this narrative in Hinduism says that Sati’s suicide made Lord Shiva angry and he killed Dhaksha for being the reason. So was this really a practise promoted by Hinduism? No!
The practice of Sati, was not originally a widespread Hindu custom. Instead, it can be seen as a regional practice that became more prevalent in certain parts of India, particularly in Rajasthan, due to specific historical circumstances.
The Atharvaveda, one of Hinduism's ancient scriptures, is often misquoted to justify the practice of Sati. Specifically, Atharvaveda 18.3.1 has been mistranslated and misinterpreted by those seeking to vilify Hindu practices. The mantra reads:
"Choosing her husband's world, this woman lays herself down beside thy lifeless body. Preserving faithfully the ancient custom. Bestow upon her, both wealth and offspring."
- Atharvaveda 18.3.1 [Translation by Griffith]
This passage has been twisted by some to imply that a widow is advised to burn herself on her husband’s funeral pyre, thereby joining him in the afterlife. the word ‘Choosing her husband’s world’ is often interpreted as the wife is advised to join her dead husband in afterlife, by burning herself in his funeral pyre. However, the correct interpretation of this Mantra is:
“This Women haven chose her Husband’s world earlier. Today she is sitting beside your dead body. Now Bestow upon here both wealth and offspring for rest of her life to continue her afterlife in this world”
The mantra actually speaks about a woman continuing her life after her husband’s death, emphasizing that she should be bestowed with wealth and offspring to ensure her well-being in this world. The next mantra, Atharvaveda 18.3.2, further reinforces this idea:
"Rise, come unto the world of life, O woman: come, he is lifeless by whose side thou liest. Wifehood with this thy husband was thy portion who took thy hand and wooed thee as a lover."
- Atharvaveda 18.3.2
“Rise, woman, (and go) to the world of living beings; come, this man near whom you sleep is lifeless; you have enjoyed this state of being the wife of your husband, the suitor who took you by the band.”
-Rig Veda 10.18.8
Dharma sutras or smrithis mentioned the duties of a wife but do not recommend sati pratha. Maharishi Manu describes wives as worthy of being worshipped those lamps lit the households and manu also says the wife is legal heir of the husband property after his death.
Manu Smriti 5.89 prohibits libation of water to those who commit suicide. Medhatithi, the eminent classical commentator of Manu Smriti, considers Sati as being against the Vedas precisely because Sati is suicide.
Suicide is classified as a bad death in Hindu scriptures.
This clearly indicates that the Vedic texts encourage the widow to return to her life and responsibilities, contradicting the notion that Sati was a religiously mandated practice in Hinduism.
So how “Sati” was made part of Hinduism? .The East India Company played a pivotal role in advancing British interests in India, and one of their strategic moves was to promote Christian missionary activities to demoralize Hinduism and pave the way for conversions to Christianity. They selectively targeted Hindu practices for criticism, while largely ignoring practices within Islam, such as Talaq-e-biddat (Triple Talaq) and the burqa.
Christian missionaries in India needed to establish a strong foundation to humiliate Hindus and compel them to convert to Christianity. One of the primary tactics used by missionaries was to exaggerate and vilify Hindu practices.
Claudius Buchanan, a prominent missionary, published a book in 1805 titled "A Memoir of the Expediency of an Ecclesiastical Establishment for British India." This work advocated for an official Christian establishment in India and criticized Hinduism as barbaric. Buchanan's efforts and the subsequent push for Christian missions in India reflected a broader strategy of cultural imperialism, aimed at replacing native religions with Christianity.
“The natives of Hindoostan are a divided people. They have no common interest. To disseminate new principles among them is not difficult. They are less tenacious of opinion than of custom. In no other country has there been such a variety of opinions on religious subjects, for many ages past, as in Hindoostan.”
-A Memoir of the Expediency of an Ecclesiastical Establishment for British India by Claudius Buchanan
The British narrative around Hinduism and its practices led to significant unrest in India. The Vellore Mutiny of 1806 was a direct result of growing discontent among Indian soldiers, or sepoys, who resented the British interference in their religious practices and the perceived threat to their cultural identity. The mutiny, which resulted in the deaths of approximately 130 Englishmen and 350 Indians, was an early sign of the resistance that would eventually lead to the larger struggle for independence.
Despite this initial setback, missionary activities in India continued, albeit with some interruptions. In 1812, there was a crackdown on missionaries in Bengal, and in 1813, several missionaries were expelled from India. However, these measures were temporary, and British efforts to undermine Hindu beliefs only intensified thereafter.
The practice of Sati became a key target for British propaganda. The British used Sati to portray Hinduism as a barbaric religion that needed to be reformed. While Sati did exist, the British exaggerated its prevalence. For instance, William Ward initially calculated that about 10,500 people were sacrificed annually to Hindu gods, but he later doubled the number of Sati cases from 5,000 to 10,000 without substantial evidence. Similarly, Rev. David Brown cited William Chambers in estimating around 50,000 Sati incidents, and Charles Grant hypothesized a figure of 33,000. These inflated numbers were used to justify British intervention in Indian social and religious practices.
The British government even began maintaining a registry of Sati cases between 1815 and 1828 in Bengal, Madras, and Bombay. Notably, 90% of the recorded cases were in Bengal, a region heavily targeted by missionaries. In contrast, other regions reported very few or no cases at all. For example, the Judge of Malabar reported that Sati was entirely absent in his jurisdiction, and the Judge of Trichinopoly found no instances of widow immolation over a ten-year period.
Despite the questionable reliability of these statistics, British propaganda persisted with a frenzied vigor. In 1819, Friend of India cited a figure of 100,000 Sati cases per year, and by 1829, the journal claimed that over one million lives had been lost to the practice in Bengal alone. These exaggerated numbers were designed to shock the British public and Parliament, galvanizing support for the British colonial mission in India.
With the help of Raja Ram Mohan Roy, a “social reformer” who worked with the East India Company, British abolished Sati in 1829.
Those who makes memes against Hinduism on the name of Sati, may not know about the tradition of Jauhar—a mass self-immolation by women to avoid capture and violation by invading forces—arose during the period of Islamic invasions in India.
The Islamic invasions in India brought with it horrific practices, including the enslavement, rape, and forced conversion of Hindu women. In such a context, Jauhar was seen as a way to preserve honor in the face of inevitable violation.
Time to Break the Silence
In 2022, India raised the issue of religious phobias at the United Nations Security Council (UNSC), warning the world about the dangers of religious intolerance, including Hinduphobia. This move by India underscores the need for global awareness and action to prevent hate against Hindus and other religious communities.
The state of Georgia passed a bill in 2023 to condemn Hinduphobia and anti-Hindu hate. This legislative action marked a significant step in recognizing Hinduphobia as a serious issue that needs to be addressed at both state and national levels in the United States
“We have experienced, substantially more events of this kind, in recent months, and I have a feeling, that, this is just the beginning, of a very co-ordinated attempt against Hindu community” - Shri Thanedar
In 2024, U.S. Congressman Shri Thanedar from Michigan introduced a resolution in the U.S. House of Representatives condemning hate crimes and violence against Hindus. This bill highlights the need to address religious intolerance and protect Hindu communities from discrimination and violence.
Conclusion
The rise of Hinduphobia is a concerning trend that must be addressed with urgency. Non-Abrahamic religions, particularly Hinduism, are increasingly being subjected to hatred and bigotry, often with little to no condemnation from the global community. It is time for the world to recognize this growing threat and stand in solidarity with those who are targeted simply for their beliefs.
Hinduism, the oldest religion in the world, has endured through millennia without the need for conquests or forced conversions. It is a religion of peace, tolerance, and respect for all life forms. Yet, it is precisely this inclusive nature that has made it a target for radicals who cannot tolerate diversity. The global Hindu community must unite to combat this rising tide of hatred and ensure that the values of their ancient faith continue to shine bright in an increasingly polarized world.
Excellent article 🙏🙏
Ultimately speaking, Hindus face Hinduphobia because its own government under the congress was hinduphobic and sanctioned propaganda against Hindus themselves. Hindus face hinduphobia because Hindus themselves accommodate to their own colonizers (muslims, or westerners) with secularism and “democracy” at their own expense.
Muslims face backlash too in the west but at least their own nations back their religion and glorify their own culture. Can’t say the same about Hindus.
Hindus only option is to become more radical. Theres no undoing colonization by dialogue with the colonizers.