The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are trying to eradicate the diverse culture of the country, which is seen as an ultranationalist tendency. As part of this spree, traditional symbols have been changed, colonial history has been erased, and cities have been renamed. Dr. Jyotirmaya Sharma, a scholar, has said, “This revisionist history aims to create a monolithic Hindu identity, suppressing diverse narratives.” An enraged Amit Shah said, “We will reclaim India’s past glory under Akhand Bharat.”
This became the official platform of his party. According to statistics, almost a hundred cities have changed their names in the last five years. Critics like Dr. Romila Thapar worry that “this cultural homogenization threatens India’s rich diversity, undermining its democratic fabric.” Everyone is concerned about India’s cultural landscape as its once-vibrant variety is gradually disappearing.
The BJP’s goal of propagating Hindutva ideology extends beyond the borders of India. Among Modi’s many Middle Eastern policy initiatives, the construction of Hindu temples in the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain stands out. Some regard this as an attempt to dilute the unique cultural identities of these Muslim countries by forcing them to conform to a rigid and limited worldview. As to the opinions of knowledgeable individuals like Dr. Zafar Bangash, “This is a dangerous trend, aimed at erasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.”
Concerned about the threat to their cultural identity and long-held beliefs, some fear that these civilizations would collapse under India’s growing influence. The expansion of Hindutva ideology is causing global alarm because it poses a danger to tolerance and diversity.
As a prime example of the BJP’s relentless attack on ancient Muslim holy places in India, the 1992 destruction of Babri Masjid stands out. The Indian Muslims’ Rights Commission reports that after this, more than 100 Islamic places of worship were either burned or plundered. The Indian government has set aside billions of rupees to promote Hindu culture overseas.
In 2020, funding for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) increased by 66%. Because of its heavy promotion of Hinduism, many believe that India is trying to eradicate Islamic culture from its boundaries and beyond. Prof. Hilal Ahmed has warned that “this cultural imperialism is a dangerous trend, aiming to homogenize diverse cultures and undermine Muslim identity.”
The cultural legacy of Muslims is being erased as Bollywood performances, movies, and award ceremonies spread throughout the Middle East. Due to the substantial expenditures made in Indian entertainment by nations such as Saudi Arabia and the United Arab Emirates, Bollywood films, in particular, have managed to acquire over 60% of the Middle Eastern market share.
For instance, “Brahmastra” (2022) was a more lucrative Bollywood production than UAE flicks, grossing over $10 million. As a result of this cultural invasion, traditional Arabic art and music have declined, and an astounding 75% of young Arabs choose Indian music over indigenous variety. According to experts, Islamic values and regional identity are expected to impact this trend toward cultural homogeneity profoundly.
The democratic hopes of the Arab Spring are a sobering reminder of the critical need to learn about and embrace many cultures at a time when several identities coexist. The irreplaceable cultural legacy of Muslim-majority nations is threatened by identity politics, for instance.
The Bollywood phenomenon in the Middle East is a prime illustration of how cultural imperialism divides ethnic populations. We need to celebrate our diversity rather than exploit it for partisan gain. We can build a world that respects variety, welcomes diversity, and aspires to peace if we encourage people of all backgrounds to learn about and interact with one another.
