Ram and Politics: Media and the Emergence of Hindu Nationalism
- The TV serial’s promotion of Hinduism
- Ram Raja, ancient rule of Ram as model for the modern state
- The Emergence of Hindu Nationalism
- Ayodhya: violent controversy between the Babri mosque and the Ram temple
- Hindu-Muslim violence
Watch: The Day the Babri Masjid was Demolished (December 22, 1992), X-News 2009, 1.41 mins.
Watch: Ayodhya. The Battle for India’s Soul, The Wall Street Journal 2012, excerpt 2.29 mins.
Read: Kapur, Anuradha. From Deity to Crusader. The Changing Iconography of Ram. Pandey, Gyanendra (ed): Hindus and Others. The Question of Identity in India Today, Delhi 1993: Viking, excerpts, ca. 10 pages
Read: Brosius, Christiane. Empowering Visions. The Politics of Representation in Hindu Nationalism, Chapter III: Hindutva’s Media Phantasmagorias, London 2005: Anthem Press (eBook ASU), pp. 95-130
Assignment: Discussion Board
This assignment asks you to post at least three substantial contributions in which you discuss the readings and videos for the week. A substantial contribution entails 2-3 paragraphs of about 7-10 lines. Questions meant to inspire your discussions are listed below. Notice however that these questions are meant as conversation starters, not quiz questions! That means you are encouraged to raise your own questions, generate your own perspectives on the subject, and respond to questions and opinions of other course participants.
Evidence of thorough study of the sources, creativity in discussing the subject, and responsiveness to questions raised in the discussion will be criteria for the assessment and grading of your discussion board contributions. You may reference sources that you use, unlike in the summary papers and the essays. There is however no formal rule for bibliographic referencing for the discussion boards. In order to facilitate discussion, you are especially encouraged to distribute your contributions over the week.
Possible Questions and Topics:
Did the televising of the Ramayana facilitate Hindu nationalism? How is the rule of Ram presented as a model of the modern state? Has the conflict of Ayodhya been egged on by media productions?
