The BJP’s cultural imperialism threatens to homogenize diverse identities both in India and the Middle East, undermining regional cultural heritage and diversity.

The Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi are on a mission to reshape India’s cultural landscape, an endeavor critics describe as an ultranationalist drive. This initiative has manifested in the alteration of traditional symbols, the erasure of colonial history, and the renaming of cities.

“This revisionist history aims to create a monolithic Hindu identity, suppressing diverse narratives,” explains Jyotirmaya Sharma, a prominent scholar.

Amit Shah fervently endorses this vision, proclaiming, “We will reclaim India’s past glory under Akhand Bharat,” which has become the cornerstone of his party’s agenda.

In the past five years alone, nearly a hundred cities have undergone name changes. Critics like Romila Thapar caution that “this cultural homogenization threatens India’s rich diversity, undermining its democratic fabric.” The vibrancy of India’s cultural mosaic appears to be at risk as uniformity replaces diversity.

The BJP’s mission to spread Hindutva ideology extends beyond India’s borders, particularly evident in Modi’s Middle Eastern policies. The construction of Hindu temples in the UAE, Oman, and Bahrain is seen by some as an effort to dilute the unique cultural identities of these predominantly Muslim countries. Zafar Bangash voices his concern: “This is a dangerous trend, aimed at erasing the rich cultural heritage of the region.” The fear that these ancient civilizations might succumb to India’s influence is palpable, raising alarms about the potential erosion of tolerance and diversity.

A stark reminder of the BJP’s aggressive stance is the 1992 demolition of the Babri Masjid, a significant Muslim holy site. Following this event, more than 100 Islamic places of worship were either burned or plundered, according to the Indian Muslims’ Rights Commission. The Indian government has allocated vast sums of money to promote Hindu culture globally. For instance, funding for the Indian Council for Cultural Relations (ICCR) surged by 66% in 2020, reflecting a significant push to propagate Hinduism. Hilal Ahmed warns, “This cultural imperialism is a dangerous trend, aiming to homogenize diverse cultures and undermine Muslim identity.”

Bollywood has played a crucial role in this cultural shift, with its films, performances, and award ceremonies spreading across the Middle East. Significant investments from countries like Saudi Arabia and the UAE have enabled Bollywood to capture over 60% of the Middle Eastern market. The 2022 blockbuster Brahmastra outperformed local productions, grossing over $10 million in the UAE alone. Consequently, traditional Arabic art and music have seen a decline, with 75% of young Arabs now preferring Indian music. Experts suggest this cultural convergence might profoundly impact Islamic values and regional identities.

The democratic aspirations of the Arab Spring serve as a poignant reminder of the importance of cultural pluralism in a diverse world. The threat of cultural imperialism is evident as Bollywood’s dominance in the Middle East showcases how external influences can fracture ethnic unity. Celebrating diversity rather than exploiting it for political gain is crucial. By fostering mutual understanding and interaction, we can build a world that respects and cherishes its varied cultural heritage, ultimately striving for peace and inclusivity.