Unveiling the "Real Majority": Divya Dwivedi’s Critique of the Hindu Majority Narrative*
In contemporary Indian discourse, the notion of a "Hindu majority" is often taken as an unassailable fact, with official statistics frequently citing approximately 80% of India’s population as Hindu. This framing shapes political campaigns, cultural narratives, and even national identity. However, philosopher and professor at IIT Delhi, Divya Dwivedi, challenges this narrative in her provocative and incisive work, arguing that the "Hindu majority" is a constructed myth that obscures the true social composition of India. For Dwivedi, the "real majority" comprises the lower-caste communities—historically marginalized and oppressed under the caste system—who form the numerical and social backbone of the nation. Her critique, developed in collaboration with philosopher Shaj Mohan, offers a radical rethinking of Indian society, exposing the mechanisms of power that sustain caste hierarchies and calling for a revolutionary vision of equality.
The Construction of the Hindu Majority
Dwivedi’s argument begins with a historical and philosophical deconstruction of Hinduism itself. She contends that the idea of Hinduism as a unified religion, representing a cohesive majority, was a 20th-century invention, crafted during India’s colonial period to serve specific political and social ends. Far from being an ancient, monolithic faith, Hinduism, as Dwivedi sees it, was codified by upper-caste elites, particularly Brahmins, to consolidate their dominance. This narrative of a "Hindu majority" erases the diversity and fragmentation of India’s social fabric, particularly the stark divisions enforced by the caste system.
In her book Indian Philosophy, Indian Revolution: On Caste and Politics(co-authored with Shaj Mohan), Dwivedi argues that the caste system is not merely a social hierarchy but a racialized order rooted in what she terms the "Aryan doctrine." This doctrine, she claims, dehumanized lower-caste communities—referred to in ancient texts as Dasyu, Dasa, Asura, or Chandala—casting them as inferior and excluding them from cultural, political, and economic power. By framing India as a predominantly Hindu nation, the upper castes have obscured the numerical strength of lower-caste communities, who, according to Dwivedi, constitute the "real majority." This majority, she argues, includes Dalits, Other Backward Classes (OBCs), and other marginalized groups whose collective numbers far exceed those of the upper castes.
The Mechanics of Marginalization
Dwivedi’s critique goes beyond historical analysis to address the contemporary implications of this constructed majority. The narrative of a Hindu majority, she argues, serves as a tool to maintain upper-caste hegemony. By rallying around a unified "Hindu" identity, political and cultural elites can sideline the demands of lower-caste communities for equality and representation. This narrative also marginalizes religious minorities—Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, and others—who are often portrayed as threats to the Hindu nation, further distracting from the internal inequalities within the so-called Hindu fold.
In a 2022 interview with *Le Monde*, Dwivedi elaborated on how this dynamic plays out in Indian politics. She pointed to the rise of Hindu nationalism, particularly under the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), as an example of how the "Hindu majority" myth is weaponized. By emphasizing external threats (such as religious minorities or foreign influences), the state and its supporters deflect attention from the systemic oppression of lower castes. This, Dwivedi argues, perpetuates a cycle of exclusion, where the real majority—lower-caste communities—remains politically fragmented and culturally sidelined despite their numerical strength.
A Call for Revolution
Dwivedi’s vision is not merely diagnostic; it is revolutionary. She advocates for a fundamental reimagining of Indian society, one that dismantles the caste system and centers the "real majority" in the nation’s political and cultural life. This requires confronting the myths that sustain caste oppression, including the idea of a unified Hindu identity. For Dwivedi, true democracy in India can only be achieved by recognizing the lower castes as the country’s demographic and moral core, granting them the power and agency long denied by upper-caste dominance.
Her work draws on philosophical traditions, both Indian and Western, to argue for a universalist ethics that transcends caste and religious divisions. In her writings, she invokes thinkers like B.R. Ambedkar, the architect of India’s Constitution and a fierce critic of caste, to underscore the need for structural change. Dwivedi’s collaboration with Shaj Mohan further grounds her arguments in a critique of global systems of power, drawing parallels between India’s caste system and other forms of racial and social hierarchy worldwide.
The Controversy and Debate
Unsurprisingly, Dwivedi’s ideas have sparked intense debate. On platforms like X, her critique of the "Hindu majority" has elicited polarized reactions. Supporters, including activists and scholars, praise her for exposing the casteist underpinnings of Indian nationalism and amplifying the voices of marginalized communities. They argue that her focus on the "real majority" challenges the status quo and offers a path toward a more equitable society. For instance, some X users have hailed her as a bold voice for lower-caste empowerment, emphasizing that her work highlights the need for caste-based reservations and social justice movements.
Conversely, critics accuse Dwivedi of undermining India’s cultural unity and fueling division. Some on X have labeled her arguments as anti-Hindu, claiming that her critique dismisses the spiritual and historical significance of Hinduism for millions of Indians. Others argue that her focus on caste risks deepening social divides at a time when national unity is paramount. These criticisms often reflect broader anxieties about challenging entrenched narratives of Indian identity, particularly in the context of rising Hindu nationalism.
Toward an Egalitarian Future
Dwivedi’s work is a clarion call for introspection and action. By reframing India’s social landscape around the "real majority," she challenges scholars, policymakers, and citizens to confront the uncomfortable truths of caste oppression. Her critique invites us to question who defines "majority" and for what purpose, urging a shift from a homogenous national identity to one that embraces the diversity and struggles of India’s most marginalized communities.
For those interested in exploring Dwivedi’s ideas further, her book *Indian Philosophy, Indian Revolution: On Caste and Politics* provides a comprehensive look at her philosophical framework. Her interviews, such as the one with *Le Monde* in February 2022, offer accessible insights into her arguments. Additionally, ongoing discussions on platforms like X reflect the real-time impact of her ideas, capturing both the support and resistance they inspire.
In a nation grappling with its complex social history, Divya Dwivedi’s voice stands out as a bold and necessary intervention. By unveiling the "real majority," she not only challenges the myths that shape India’s present but also lights a path toward a more just and democratic future.
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