Saffronizing India: A Study of Hindutva from a Social Psychological Standpoint

The purpose of this project is to analyze how Hindutva organizations construct images of in-group and out-group. I argue that understanding the construction of these group images can guide us to understand how symbolic boundaries are drawn between these groups. The theoretical framework for this project has been drawn from the Social Identity Approach as well as boundary research. I use case studies of two Hindutva organizations—Rastriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and Viswa Hindu Parishad (VHP). Hindutva organizations are those which believe in Hindutva ideology—uniting Hindus and establishing India as a Hindu nation. I use Qualitative Content Analysis method to analyze the contents of these organizations’ websites. I find that both the in-group and the out-group are portrayed as homogeneous. Moreover, the image of the in-group is drawn as superior, tolerant, and compassionate, while the out-group image is cast in a negative, “infrahumanized” light. The out-group is perceived as a threat to Hindus and Hinduism. Finally, I find that symbolic boundaries are drawn between the in-group and the out-group on the basis of morality and national culture.