India's Hindu nationalists take 17th-century king as new anti-Muslim symbol
Statues of 17th-century kind Shivaji have been erected across various Indian cities over the past few years by Hindu nationalist groups, who view him as a symbolic defender of Hindus against Muslims.
Statues of 17th-century kind Shivaji have been erected across various Indian cities over the past few years by Hindu nationalist groups, who view him
Read Full Story at France 24 →Why This Matters
Shivaji’s veneration as a warrior-saint transcends historical reverence, morphing into a political cudgel in modern India. The transformation of a 17th-century Maratha king into a symbol of Hindu-majoritarian resolve underscores how historical figures are being weaponized to shape national identity in a deeply polarized era. This trend reflects a broader global shift where history is not just remembered but actively recast to serve contemporary ideological battles.
Background Context
The 17th-century Maratha ruler Shivaji Bhonsale is celebrated in Maharashtra for his military campaigns against Mughal rule, but his legacy has evolved unevenly across India. Hindu nationalist groups, particularly the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS) and its affiliates, have repurposed his image to champion a narrative of Hindu resistance against Muslim rulers—a narrative that conveniently overlooks the complex alliances and conflicts of his time. This revisionist framing gains traction amid rising intercommunal tensions and the Bharatiya Janata Party’s (BJP) consolidation of power.
What Happens Next
The proliferation of Shivaji statues may intensify debates over historical narratives, particularly in regions where Muslim populations remain significant. If left unchecked, this could fuel further communal polarization, with local governments—especially in BJP-ruled states—potentially accelerating the installation of such monuments as a form of political signaling. Observers should watch for legal challenges to these statues on grounds of secularism, as well as how opposition parties respond to this cultural mobilization.
Bigger Picture
India’s embrace of Shivaji as an anti-Muslim icon mirrors global patterns where historical figures are selectively lionized to reinforce nationalist or sectarian agendas. As Hindu nationalism entrenches itself in India’s political and cultural fabric, the trend suggests a future where history is increasingly commodified for ideological gains, eroding shared national narratives in favor of monolithic ones. This trajectory poses risks not only to social cohesion but also to the very institutions meant to protect pluralism.
