Vishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), founded by M. S. Golwalkar and known for its anti-Muslim sentiments, has a dark history of controversial activities against minorities in India.
Collaborating with the militant youth wing, Bajrang Dal, VHP played a role in the demolition of Babri Mosque and subsequent riots that claimed thousands of lives. It gained notoriety for supporting violent acts against Muslims and engaging in mass conversions. The VHP has been listed by the US CIA as a “Militant Religious Organization.”
VHP America (VHPA), its counterpart in the US, propagates religious extremism against Muslims and funds its Indian counterpart, as well as Hindu nationalist movements. It promotes Islamophobia and targets American Muslim politicians and human rights organizations for speaking out against religious persecution in India.
Activities of VHP:
The extremist ideology of VHP and VHPA is a cause for concern, as it perpetuates violence and intolerance, both in India and abroad.
Had a leading role in demolition of Babri Mosque in Ayodhiya (December 1992) & subsequent riots that killed more than 2,000 Muslims.
The demolition of the Babri Mosque had a significant impact on India’s Muslim community. It was interpreted as a sign of Muslims’ marginalization and the degradation of their rights as Indian citizens. The mosque’s demolition also underlined Hindu nationalism’s rising dominance in India and its impact on the country’s secular fabric.
The Supreme Court of India declared in November 2019 in favor of the construction of a Ram temple on the site of the Babri Mosque. The court decided that the mosque was built on the ruins of an ancient temple and that Hindus had a legal title to the site. The building of the Ram temple on the site of the Babri Mosque was viewed as a success for Hindu nationalists and a setback for India’s Muslim population. Concerns have also been made regarding the erasing of the Muslim legacy in India and the marginalization of Muslims in Indian culture as a result of the temple’s construction.
VHP also orchestrated violence during 2002 anti-Muslim pogroms in Gujarat State in which over 1,000 Muslims were killed. Gained notoriety being involved in supporting Bajrang Dal for lynching Muslims (to death) over suspected beef trade/cow transportation.
From 1982 to 1985, VHP converted over 66,000 people (mainly Christians) to Hinduism. Outfits claimed to have converted 5,000 people to Hinduism in 2002.
India’s Muslim are facing the systematic destruction, neglect, and marginalization in India. This issue has gained significant attention in recent years, particularly with the rise of Hindu nationalism in India.
In 2004, it converted 12,857 people to Hinduism. 3,727 of these were Muslims and 9,130 were Christians.
A UK government inquiry into Gujarat pogroms says: “Violence was planned, possibly months in advance by VHP. Attack (27 February 2002) on train at Godhra provided pretext. If it had not occurred another one would have been found
The erasure of Muslim roots in India has also been influenced by political tensions between India and Pakistan. The two nations have been at odds for a long time over the disputed province of Kashmir, which has resulted in many wars and ongoing tensions. As a result, Muslims in India are commonly identified with Pakistan and viewed as a danger to Indian security and unity.
In India, historical prejudice against Muslim governance has also led to the erasure of the Muslim legacy. The time of Muslim rule in India is frequently represented as one of tyranny and oppression, while the contributions of Muslim rulers and scholars to Indian culture and history are either overlooked or minimized.
It is not merely a symbolic gesture; it has real-world implications for the preservation of these monuments and acknowledgment of their historical value. The erasure of Muslim ancestry in India is a multifaceted problem with several contributing aspects. This approach is influenced by Hindu nationalism, political tensions with Pakistan, historical prejudice against Muslim rule, and marginalization of Muslim contributions in education.
The erasure of Muslim legacy has serious consequences for India’s vulnerable Muslim populations, including the relocation and alienation of Muslim youth. Recognizing the importance of conserving India’s rich cultural legacy and taking efforts to promote inclusive education and safeguard Muslim heritage places is critical.
Muhammad Wasama Khalid is a Correspondent and Researcher at Global Affairs. He is pursuing a Bachelor’s degree in International Relations at National Defense University. His interests include history, politics, and current affairs. He has been published in the London Institute of Peace and Research, South Asian Journal, Diplomatic Insight, International Policy Digest, Sri Lanka Guardian, Global Village Space, Global Defense Insight, Global Affairs, And Modern Diplomacy. He tweets at @Wasama Khalid and can be reached at Wasamakhalid@gmail.com
