India is currently witnessing a rising wave of cultural destruction and communal violence, fuelled by the actions of the Modi-led BJP government. This wave is most evident in the ongoing demand from Hindu extremists for the demolition of the Ajmer Sharif Dargah, a historic Muslim shrine, based on the claim that it was built on land that once belonged to a Shiva temple.
These demands follow on a series of ideologically-inspired changes for the names of entire towns. Faizabad, a district in Uttar Pradesh, was renamed Ayodhya, the name of the ancient city believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. The name "Faizabad" was associated with the Mughal era, while Ayodhya holds deep religious significance for Hindus. The renaming came amid the long-standing Ayodhya dispute, which culminated in the construction of the Ram Mandir at the site of the demolished Babri Masjid in 2020. There are many other examples: such as that of Mughalsarai, a major railway junction in Uttar Pradesh, which was renamed after Deen Dayal Upadhyaya, a prominent figure of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), the BJP’s ideological parent organisation. Osmanabad, a district in Maharashtra, was renamed Dharashiv, a name linked to ancient Buddhist caves in the region. The original name was associated with a 17th-century ruler of the Deccan, Osman Ali Khan. Hoshangabad, a city in Madhya Pradesh, was renamed Narmadapuram after the Narmada River, which flows through the region. The original name was derived from Hoshang Shah, the first ruler of the Malwa Sultanate. More recently, in 2023, Aurangabad, a city in Maharashtra, was renamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji Nagar after Sambhaji, the son of Shivaji, the founder of the Maratha Empire. The name "Aurangabad" was associated with Mughal Emperor Aurangzeb, who is often vilified in Hindu nationalist narratives
Such actions resonate with the arguments made by Vamik Volkan in his book The Politics of Cultural Destruction, where he asserts that authoritarian, fascist, and populist governments often engage in symbolic acts of destroying cultural artifacts to consolidate political power. As a psychiatrist and psychoanalyst specialising in international conflicts, Volkan understood the psyche of such leaders and their approach to power politics. This trend—using cultural and historical erasure as a political tool—poses a danger not only for India but globally.
Similarly, Samuel P Huntington’s The Clash of Civilizations highlights how authoritarian regimes harbour a deep hatred toward other cultures and histories, politicising cultural clashes in global conflicts. In this context, the Modi-led BJP government shares striking similarities with the Zionist regime of Benjamin Netanyahu, particularly in their shared intent to undermine Muslim culture and heritage. However, unlike Netanyahu, Modi seems more focused on demolishing Muslim monuments within India. This political agenda threatens to erase India’s rich and diverse history.
The BJP’s anti-Muslim agenda is not a recent phenomenon but a longstanding strategy, with its roots in the destruction of the Babri Masjid in 1992. Since then, the party has used religious identity politics to fuel communal violence and secure political gains. In recent years, there has been a relentless assault on monuments tied to India’s Muslim past. In 2022 alone, the Shahi Masjid and Shamsi Jama Masjid were razed, while cities such as Allahabad (renamed Prayagraj) and Aurangabad (renamed Chhatrapati Sambhaji) have had their names changed to erase their Muslim heritage. Even the Taj Mahal, one of the world’s most iconic monuments and a significant source of foreign revenue, is under attack, with Hindu extremists claiming it was built on the site of a Shiva temple.
Vamik Volkan in his book argues that authoritarian, fascist, and populist governments often engage in symbolic acts of destroying cultural artifacts to consolidate political power
Such acts of 'baptising' history and culture are not unique to India. For example, the Chinese government has been changing the names of villages in its Muslim-majority Xinjiang province to erase Uyghur Muslim culture under the guise of national security and cohesion. Similarly, in Pakistan, cities and streets were renamed in the years following its creation to reflect the national ideology. Notable examples include Karachi’s Ram Bagh being renamed Aram Bagh, Elphinstone Street becoming Zaibunnisa Street, and Hindu Bagh being renamed Muslim Bagh. These actions are part of a broader global trend of political regimes manipulating history to solidify their control.
International organisations, including Human Rights Watch and Amnesty International, have expressed grave concern about the rising intolerance and marginalisation of minorities in India. According to their reports, India has become increasingly unsafe for religious minorities, particularly Muslims, under the current government. In its 2023 World Report, Human Rights Watch highlighted the government’s failure to prevent anti-Muslim violence and its role in perpetuating discriminatory policies. Amnesty International has similarly criticised the BJP's approach to minority rights, calling out the rise of religious intolerance as a direct threat to India's secular credentials.
The impact of such political agendas goes beyond the immediate threat to historical monuments. By erasing the rich cultural heritage that Muslim rulers contributed to India’s identity, the BJP risks unravelling the vibrant, multi-cultural fabric that has defined the nation for centuries. Despite the fact that many of India’s Muslim rulers were foreign-born, their influence on the country’s socio-cultural landscape has been profound. The blending of various cultures, including Islamic, Hindu, and indigenous traditions, has shaped India into a nation admired for its diversity.
If this trend continues unchecked, it will not only marginalise minorities but also undermine the secular and democratic principles enshrined in India’s Constitution. The erosion of this pluralistic identity will exacerbate tensions, leading the country toward chaos and anarchy, potentially destabilising the entire region.
To reverse this trend, the Indian government, the judiciary, and policymakers must prioritise the preservation of India’s cultural heritage and respect for its diverse communities. The government should foster an inclusive environment where all religious and cultural histories are valued. This would require moving away from identity-based politics and embracing India’s rich, pluralistic past. The Supreme Court, as the guardian of the Constitution, must play a pivotal role in ensuring that these constitutional guarantees are upheld, protecting the rights and identities of all Indians, irrespective of their religious or cultural backgrounds.
In conclusion, the erasure of history, culture, and identity through the symbolic destruction of monuments and renaming of cities is a broader trend in ultra-nationalist and authoritarian regimes worldwide. From India to China and Pakistan, such actions aim to undermine the cultural and historical legacy of minority communities for political gain. To protect India’s democratic ideals and its global reputation as a secular nation, it is imperative that the government and its people work toward fostering inclusivity, tolerance, and respect for all histories.