Dystopia, Purity and Segregation: A Study of Hindutvavad in Indian Nationalism from the Lens of Web Series: Leila

Abstract

‘Purity for all’ or ‘Jai Aryavarta (land of the Aryans)!’1 (Bühler 1886, 5) are the slogans of the nation-state dominated by Hindus in the Netflix released web series, Leila. Based on the theoretical framework of Thomas Blom Hansen, ‘The Saffron Wave’, I have argued that secularism in India was unique to its circumstances and therefore, did not entail a separation between the state and the religion. In recent times, religious nationalism is called out for xenophobia against minorities and attacks against lower-caste communities (Hansen 1999, 134). This article attempts to examine the parallels between religious nationalism in Leila and Indian politics. Through qualitative research methodology and narrative analysis, the article compares the ideas of purity, segregation and dystopia from the series with the Indian politics. The core argument of the article is that although religious nationalism is determined by these ideas, it continues to be a multi-layered concept.