The Right-Wing Story About Human Nature Is False
Are we naturally violent, power-hungry, and greedy? Rutger Bregman’s book “Humankind” devastates the myth of human selfishness.
Who’s Afraid of the Indian Constitution?
Why do ideas of equality, reason and freedom scare some people? The answer lies in the simple fact that these ideas rock the boat for the castes and classes who rule.
Akshay Yadav and the Loud Silence of India’s Hindus
Arresting the violence against India’s Muslims depends not on the judiciary, police or politicians but on a billion Hindus – or just one.
Ahmedabad Meat Ban: Does the Law Give Indians the Right to Eat the Kind of Food They Want?
From partial restrictions to total bans, the judiciary has swayed in its interpretation of this question.
Tipu Sultan: A Legacy Dignified, Yet Despised
Not many Indian rulers have faced the wrath of historians as badly as the Mysore Tiger. He ranks way above the usually celebrated and worshipped personalities of ancient and medieval India in innovation, technological proclivity, secular outlook, social commitment and above all, patriotism.
No Hindi, Hindu, Hindustan? Implemented Fully, BJP’s Hindutva Renaming Will Wipe Out a Lot of India
Given India’s association with Persian, the BJP’s renaming spree, taken to its logical conclusion, will end up wiping away substantial portions of what Indians find familiar.
The Silent Epidemic: Islamophobia, Communal Trauma and Mental Health in Muslim Communities
Increasing levels of Islamophobia, often manifesting itself in violent attacks, has left Muslim communities worldwide with deep mental health trauma about their belonging. However, fear of raising these issues has made the problem worse.
The Strange Irony of Roping in Mahatma Gandhi to Establish Savarkar’s Nationalist Credentials
Historical record not only debunks Union defence minister Rajnath Singh’s claim that Savarkar filed mercy petitions at the behest of Mahatma Gandhi, it establishes that the two men had nothing in common.
How Should We Remember the Violence and Suffering of Partition?
What does it mean then to remember the ‘horror’ of partition at a time when identities are so polarised. Do we remember only what was done to us, leaving out all that we did to others and to our own?
Communalism | Culture | Economy | India | Print Edition
Feeding the Beast
Fascism is not a useful term for majoritarianism in India because given the defining precedent of Nazi Germany, it implies a big bang, death-camp climax. This is both wrong and a distraction from the real danger. Majoritarianism in India is not premised on a final solution.