What’s Driving Hindu Nationalism in Nepal?

What’s Driving Hindu Nationalism in Nepal?

[https://thediplomat.com/2023/09/whats-driving-hindu-nationalism-in-nepal](https://thediplomat.com/2023/09/whats-driving-hindu-nationalism-in-nepal/)

Religious tensions, as opposed to ethnic or caste-based schisms, are relatively new in Nepal. What’s behind the recent upsurge? 


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17 thoughts on “What’s Driving Hindu Nationalism in Nepal?

  1. Some political leaders in Nepal claim that RSS enjoys increased influence in India’s Nepal policy, including in the functioning of the Indian embassy in Nepal. A recent [report](https://www.state.gov/reports/2022-report-on-international-religious-freedom/#:~:text=The%20report%20covers%20government%20policies,Religious%20Freedom%20Act%20of%201998.) by the U.S. Department of State posited that right-wing religious groups associated with the BJP have provided funds to influential politicians of all parties in Nepal to speak in favor of the Hindu nation.

    Therefore, Hindu nationalists in Nepal and India, as well as some opportunists in Nepal, have found a common cause. 

    However, there are some fundamental differences in Hindu nationalism in India and Nepal. In India, the Muslim minority is the natural “other” to the Hindu nationalists. Therefore, religious hatred is directed at the Muslim community. In Nepal, it is the Christians and the Christian missionaries who are the target of the Hindu nationalists. 

    International NGOs from some Western countries, as well as South Korea, have been active in proselytization activities, and Nepal has the world’s [fastest-growing](https://hir.harvard.edu/the-struggle-between-hindutva-and-secularism-in-nepal/) Christian population. Churches have mushroomed in the urban centers. It has caused unease among the predominantly Hindu population. The trend furthers the perception that Western countries are hell-bent on the proselytization of Nepal’s poor and marginalized communities. 

    Additionally, Nepal’s nationalism is predominantly anti-Indian, despite the BJP and RSS’ influence on the Hindutva movement in Nepal. Nepalis seek an independent identity from India. In this context, Oli’s whipping up of Hindu sentiments was as much about burnishing his credentials as a nationalist leader who could stand up to India as it was about Hindu nationalism.

    Finally, actors seeking a Hindu state have their differences. For the RPP and other monarchists, Hindutva and monarchy are two sides of the same coin. However, the leaders of the mainstream parties are wary that the former monarch is seeking to return to power in the garb of religious nationalism. Thus, they would like to untangle the link between Hindutva and the monarchy. 

    In this sense, Hindu nationalism in Nepal transcends ideological, political, and foreign policy debates. There are patterns of dichotomies at all levels. Some political leaders publicly support secularism but harken a desire for a Hindu state in private. Mainstream political parties and royalists spar over the Hindutva-monarchy nexus. There is a contest for influence between the BJP and RSS of India, who would want Nepal to be a Hindu state, and Western powers, who prefer a secular state with fewer limitations on proselytization.

    The movement’s direction could shape the future of Nepal’s politics and political leaders for decades. 

  2. People who had become irrelevant in the political scene picking it up or people like Rabindra Mishra (who wasn’t relevant at any time) trying a populist agenda to serve his goals; with the help of easily offended and way too sensitive part of the Nepali Hindu crowd is what is driving Hindu Nationalism in Nepal. There are way too many other important areas in Nepal to focus on. These people really don’t deserve the attention.

  3. Western influence dherai vayo Nepal ma. I remember the days where everyone celebrated all Hindu festival like their own. Now all I see are tero jaat le masu Khana napaune Mero jaat le masu Khana paune type of shit. Nepali culture ko sabbai festival haru sabbai nepali haru le manaunchan. Ahile Badi western influence dekhiyo. Yo Nepali culture bahira ko sabbai holidays haru ban garnu parcha jasto lagcha malai. We have enough holidays as it is.

  4. Nepal has always been a hindu country but Hinduism in mountains is little different from Terai as you will get a strong feeling of the heavy influence from Buddhism! It is Christians who are growing in numbers and have started to attack the weak points in our religion. Thanks to Prachande and the Nemwang who recently passed away played a huge part in making Nepal secular.

  5. People in this forum blame missionaries etc. But the fact is strict caste hierarchy and prohibitive cost of traditional religious rituals and cultural practices drive vulnerable people towards these churches.

    I myself no longer have faith in the divine as in human society evil is pervasive and good is only a myth.

  6. One could be Nepali christians calling hindu religion “satanic” and challenging its dominance.

    Also, people are frustrated with everything and think that “hindu rastra” and “the king” can be soultion to all the crisis that Nation is facing right now.

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