‘Hindu Nationalism in the Indian Diaspora: Transnational Identities and the Politics of Multiculturalism’ by Edward T.G. Anderson delves into the growing influence of Hindutva ideology among the Indian diaspora. It examines how Hindu nationalism has not only transformed India but has also become a significant force among Indian communities abroad.
The book traces the rise of Hindutva in the diaspora since the mid-20th century, arguing that its appeal extends far beyond a simple export from India – it has now become a popular movement among the diaspora, impacting the identity of the NRI and immigrant Indian community abroad.
Anderson suggests that the ideology has been adapted to serve the unique needs and identities of Indians overseas, forming a powerful transnational movement. The work also addresses how conservative Indian politics impacts multiculturalism, migrant politics, and inter-minority relations in countries like Britain.
Published by Penguin, ‘Hindu Nationalism in the Indian Diaspora: Transnational Identities and the Politics of Multiculturalism‘ will be released on 17 September on SoftCover, ThePrint’s online venue to launch non-fiction books.
Edward T.G. Anderson is an Assistant Professor of History at Northumbria University, Newcastle. He previously was a Smuts Research Fellow in Commonwealth Studies at the University of Cambridge and has held postdoctoral positions at LMU, Munich, and visiting fellowships at the Centre for Development Studies in Trivandrum, the University of Mumbai, and the London School of Economics.
Anderson’s research areas include Indian diaspora, transnational politics, and religious nationalism. His teachings include modules on ‘Migration, Diaspora & the Making of Modern Britain’, ‘Britain’s Empires: Imperialism & Resistence in the Modern World’, and global histories, ideology, and power.
His work has been praised for its careful research and called a ‘must read, rich, and readable account’. Nikita Sud, a professor of the politics of development at the University of Oxford said, “A carefully researched deep dive into the Hindutva in diaspora phenomenon. The focus of Anderson’s excellent historical-political work is Britain, but he tells a story that spans India, its diaspora, and globally networked nationalisms more broadly. This is a book for these times, and for times to come.”
“A timely and important book adding to our understanding of the complexities of the diasporic experience and its relationship to India,” Kavita Puri, Writer and Broadcaster, BBC wrote in praise of the book. William Gould, professor of Indian history at the University of Leeds wrote, “[A] uniquely rich and highly readable account . . . The book is a must-read for anyone interested in the global reach of Hindu nationalism and its diasporic forms.”
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