Hindu nationalism is the notion that politics should be organized in accordance to Hindu doctrines and practices, including but not limited to the desire for a political state, specifically India, based on Hinduism.

The impulse for Hindu nationalism began as a response to British colonialism in the 19th century. As Western culture materialized in India, Hindus sought to affirm their identity as a religious and ethnic group. Many Hindus turned to religious revivals to “purify” Hinduism as a religion and India as a nation from perceived Western corruption. Hindu religious revivals were connected to regional and national pride as well as religious conviction. As a result of these revivals, Hindu nationalism emerged as a movement interested in ending foreign rule, reviving Hindu religious practice, and asserting ...