In his latest book, Hindu Nationalism in the Indian Diaspora: Transnational Identities and the Politics of Multiculturalism, Edward T.G. Anderson delves into the expanding influence of Hindutva ideology among Indian communities abroad. Through this well-researched work, Anderson explores how Hindu nationalism, which has been reshaping the political and cultural landscape of India, has also become a significant force among the Indian diaspora. This is not merely a reflection of political changes within India but has evolved into a transnational movement with far-reaching implications for the identity and politics of Indian immigrants worldwide.
The book traces the history of Hindutva’s growth among the diaspora, starting from the mid-20th century. It argues that the ideology has moved beyond being an exported idea from India; it has gained substantial traction among non-resident Indians (NRIs) and Indian immigrant communities abroad. Anderson suggests that the appeal of Hindu nationalism in these overseas communities is not a simple extension of what exists in India but rather an adaptation tailored to the specific needs and concerns of Indians living in foreign countries. In doing so, Hindutva has become a significant identity marker for many members of the Indian diaspora, who embrace it as part of their cultural and political identity.
One of the key arguments in Anderson’s work is the idea that Hindutva has been reshaped and redefined by the diaspora to address their own unique challenges. Living in multicultural environments, many Indians abroad find themselves navigating complex identities, balancing their heritage with their place in diverse societies. For these communities, Hindutva often serves as a way to assert a strong cultural and religious identity. It offers them a framework for belonging, especially in countries where they may feel marginalized or disconnected from their roots. As a result, the ideology has developed into a powerful transnational movement, influencing not only the Indian diaspora but also the broader political landscape of the countries in which they reside.
The book also explores the wider implications of this rise in Hindu nationalism, particularly in relation to multiculturalism and migrant politics in countries like the United Kingdom. Anderson discusses how the growing influence of Hindutva among the Indian diaspora has affected inter-minority relations, creating tensions between different ethnic and religious groups. This, in turn, raises important questions about the role of conservative Indian politics in shaping the dynamics of multicultural societies. The book addresses how Hindutva, as a form of religious nationalism, interacts with the politics of immigration and multiculturalism, often complicating the relationship between different minority communities in countries with significant Indian populations.
Published by Penguin, Hindu Nationalism in the Indian Diaspora: Transnational Identities and the Politics of Multiculturalism is set to be released on 17 September on SoftCover, ThePrint’s online platform dedicated to launching non-fiction books. The work promises to be a significant contribution to the growing field of research on the Indian diaspora, offering new insights into how religious and political ideologies travel and transform in new contexts.
Edward T.G. Anderson is an Assistant Professor of History at Northumbria University in Newcastle, and his background makes him uniquely qualified to tackle this complex subject. Before joining Northumbria, Anderson served as a Smuts Research Fellow in Commonwealth Studies at the University of Cambridge. He has also held postdoctoral positions at Ludwig Maximilian University in Munich and visiting fellowships at prestigious institutions like the Centre for Development Studies in Trivandrum, the University of Mumbai, and the London School of Economics. His research interests primarily revolve around the Indian diaspora, transnational politics, and religious nationalism.
Anderson’s academic work, including his teaching, covers significant themes such as migration, diaspora, and the making of modern Britain. His courses often focus on global histories, ideologies, and the power structures that shape them. This background in history and politics informs his exploration of Hindu nationalism, providing a well-rounded perspective on how the ideology has evolved both within India and in its global forms.
The book has garnered widespread praise from scholars and critics for its in-depth analysis and accessible writing style. Nikita Sud, a professor of the politics of development at the University of Oxford, hailed it as “a carefully researched deep dive into the Hindutva in diaspora phenomenon.” She noted that although the book focuses on Britain, it tells a much larger story that spans across India and its diaspora, while also shedding light on globally networked nationalisms. In her words, “This is a book for these times, and for times to come.”
Similarly, Kavita Puri, a writer and broadcaster for the BBC, commended the book for its timely and important contribution to the ongoing conversation about the complexities of the diasporic experience. She remarked, “A timely and important book adding to our understanding of the complexities of the diasporic experience and its relationship to India.” According to Puri, the book is particularly valuable for readers seeking to understand how Indian immigrants reconcile their identities with their experiences in foreign lands, while also grappling with the pull of nationalism from their home country.
William Gould, a professor of Indian history at the University of Leeds, also praised Anderson’s work for its readability and thoroughness. He described the book as “[A] uniquely rich and highly readable account.” He further noted that it stands as a must-read for anyone interested in the global reach of Hindu nationalism and its influence on the diaspora. Gould’s praise underscores the importance of the book for both scholars and general readers interested in understanding the broader implications of this growing movement.
The rise of Hindutva in the Indian diaspora is not an isolated phenomenon but one that reflects broader trends in global politics. In an era of increasing nationalism, the intersection of religious identity and political ideology has become a defining feature of many immigrant communities. For the Indian diaspora, Hindu nationalism serves as a means of asserting identity and belonging in foreign lands. Yet, as Anderson’s book reveals, this assertion of identity comes with significant political consequences, particularly in multicultural societies where issues of race, religion, and migration are already deeply contested.
As Hindu Nationalism in the Indian Diaspora makes clear, the movement is likely to continue growing in influence, both within the Indian diaspora and in the wider global context. With its rich historical analysis and timely exploration of current political dynamics, Anderson’s work offers a crucial perspective on one of the most important developments in the politics of the Indian diaspora today.
Anderson’s book provides a valuable contribution to our understanding of how religious nationalism has transcended national boundaries, transforming not only India but also its diaspora communities. Through his careful research and thoughtful analysis, Anderson offers readers a comprehensive look at the rise of Hindutva as a transnational movement and its implications for the politics of multiculturalism in the modern world.
