Hindutva and Violence against WoMen

I visited the Khan market in Delhi and selected this particular book(Hindutva and Violence against WoMen by Brinda karat) while browsing the collection in the women's section. Amongst 2-3 options, this book caught my eye. I later ordered this book from amazon. I managed to finish reading it in a single day. Surprisingly, I completed this book today, on the second day of my menstrual cycle, a time when I usually find solace in resting, social interactions or engaging activities, rarely in reading, especially without drifting off. Perhaps the unique ambiance of the British Library played a role in my undisturbed reading experience.

The aspect that captivated me about this book is the profound connection I felt with its narrative, resonating deeply as a Hindu woman who has encountered similar struggles depicted in the book. I have personally faced patriarchal norms, restrictions on choosing my life partner, and the stigma associated with going against societal norms. Neither my education nor the community instilled self-belief in me, apart from a few activist friends. Initially, I failed to recognize the political undercurrents shaping my experiences. I used to attribute regressive thoughts solely to my family or caste, devoid of a broader perspective. It is only now that I comprehend the magnitude of these issues.

I recall X(a man closely related to me) wearing shorts, heading to the RSS daily drills with his stick, a sight that sparked thoughts of a fitness-conscious group. Now, reflecting on his animosity towards Muslims, I trace its origin. A man of duty X seldom prioritized self-care, never seen with a book but finding solace in songs on the radio or news. His mindset mirrored the influence of his closed-minded parents, particularly his mother, fulfilling the role of a traditional mother-in-law, guided by compliant aunts. Her teachings urged X to ignore X’s wife, fearing his obedience would waver. Amidst this, the household atmosphere ingrained a strong anti-Muslim sentiment. Despite no personal harm from them, I too held reservations for years, while Hindu men in my life were the actual source of harassment.

Another striking revelation is the adversity faced by Dalit women due to their caste. The persistence of caste as a significant factor in the 21st century was a shocking realization. Just days ago, news of a Dalit woman's brother's murder highlighted the ongoing atrocities. Stories of rape and abuse inflicted on Dalit and Adivasi women by upper-caste men are abundant in literature and reality.

The impunity enjoyed by BJP politicians with rape allegations, some even rejoining the party, raises concerns about women's safety in such a society. Embracing Manusmriti and belittling women to subservience, BJP and RSS propagate an unequal narrative on women's rights, posing a threat while in power.

Efforts to foster a communal, majoritarian India involve the dissemination of fake news by many men. Raised amidst tales of 'love jihad,' I distanced myself from Muslims, fearing abduction. The impact of such upbringing on young minds is alarming, unless challenged by diverse perspectives. The commodification of Muslim women's identities shocked me, violating not just their Indian citizenship but basic human rights.

I was utterly astonished to discover the distressing revelation of women falling victim to assault by the Indian army. This unsettling truth was initially unraveled within the pages of another literary work shedding light on the tumultuous landscape of J&K.

Numerous cases linger unresolved, numerous cases officially documented, and countless more left unacknowledged. I am left pondering one pressing query: What transgressions did women commit to warrant such brutality?

Note: This write up was written a few months back.

P.C: https://feminist.org/our-work/violence-against-women/