Secularism in the Troubled ‘Waters’ of ‘Hindu nationalism’

This article presents an Indian case study of how Hindu nationalists challenge freedom of expression and secularism. Focusing on the film ‘Water’ (2005) and the related controversy (2000) in a north Indian district in Varanasi in 2000, this article examines the conflict between Hindu nationalists and those who oppose them. Through the theoretical lens of ‘contextual secularism’, this article analyses the narratives of Hindu nationalists and resistance groups involved in the secular-religious impasse. In particular, the article focuses on the most important interrelated aspect of this situation—the tension between freedom of expression and Hindu religious intolerance. This study applies qualitative research methods, particularly semi-structured interviews, and narrative analysis. The study concludes that Indian secularism tolerates Hindu religious bigotry toward dissent and that Hindu nationalism is incompatible with secular democracy and, to some extent, with freedom of expression and dissent. However, there is the possibility of resistance to hegemonic Hindu nationalism.