Saffronization
Saffronization or saffronisation is an Indian political neologism (named after the saffron robes worn by Hindu sannyasis symbolizing the cremation of the physical body and freedom of the soul while still alive) used by critics to refer to the politics of right-wing Hindu nationalism (Hindutva) that seek to make the Indian state adopt social policies that recall and glorify the ancient Hindu cultural history and heritage of India (the term "Hindu" in their view encompassing Dharmic Indian religions including Hinduism and the Sikh, Jain and Buddhist traditions) while de-emphasizing the more recent Islamic or Christian heritage.[1]
A related term, the Saffron Brigade, is used by critics as a descriptor of people and organizations in India that promote Hindu nationalism such as the Sangh Parivar. It is used to allege a "militant Hindu fundamentalist agenda" behind the politics and actions of right-wing Hindu organizations. The words "fascist" or "communal" are also frequently used as epithets by critics and opponents.[2][3][4]
[edit] References
- ^ Encyclopedia of Religious Freedom, Catharine Cookson (ed.), Taylor & Francis, 2003, ISBN 978-0-415-94181-5, p. 180
- ^ milligazette
- ^ Ganashakti Newsmagazine article Saffron Brigade Bares Its Fangs
- ^ The Hindu article BJP crisis lies in its inability to take up issues concerning people, says CPI(M) "Saffron brigade focusses only on past and have a blank agenda for India's future."
- Véronique Bénéï (2005). Manufacturing Citizenship: education and nationalism in Europe, South Asia and China. Routledge. ISBN 0-415-36488-4. http://books.google.com/books?vid=ISBN0415364884&id=XCUNB8koN-8C&pg=PA156&lpg=PA156&ots=GqO-sD_2tp&dq=Saffronization&ie=ISO-8859-1&output=html&sig=vMTwP0gLYa29-5WNCyMPyqaMGNw.
- "INDIA: Righting or rewriting Hindu history". Inter Press Service. February 2000. http://www.sacw.net/India_History/ann022000.html. Retrieved 2007-01-13.
- The Politics of Education in India R. Upadhyay, South Asia Analysis Group
- Ethnic and Racial Studies Volume 23 Number 3 May 2000 pp. 407–441 ISSN 0141-9870 print/ISSN 1466-4356
