This paper proposes to examine the emergence or re-emergence of one of the most formidable ideological phenomena in contemporary India called Hindutva or Hindu Nationalism. Although, as a specific form of Cultural Nationalism, Hindutva emerged in the early part of the 20th century in India, it acquired prominence only during the last two decades. The paper considers that all forms of Cultural Nationalism including Hindu nationalism as dangerous to humanity, as they prophesy a stratified and rigid idea of culture. Hindutva or Hindu Nationalism, too, has propelled an unproblematic idea of Hindu culture and civilization constructed through a selective hermeneutics of Hindu Texts. Its contemporary prominence in India has caused enormous tension and violence due to its sectarian pursuit of culture. Owing to its valorized projection of Hindu culture and inalienable values that it embodies, it might have become highly popular. However, beneath its dazzling shine lie unabashed parochialism, distressing sectarianism and frightening fanaticism often manifested through periodic outburst of communal violence. It requires an enduring theoretical effort to unravel its true color.

In the light of the above, the paper proposes to interrogate into the ideological universe of Hindu nationalism to identify its theory, discourse, strategy, leadership and social base. Such an exploration is crucial to envisage a long term and persistent battle against forces that represent Hindu nationalism. The paper also, in the course of its analysis, tries to suggest an alternative normative agenda constituted by the principles of Democracy, Secularism and Multiculturalism. It emphasizes that democracy needs to be radically redefined as a social philosophy to make it the foundational principle to fight all forms of fundamentalism and fanaticism.