MASCULINITY AND INDIA.pdf

This paper explores the intricate relationship between religious politics, media representation, and the construction of masculinity in India, focusing on the landmark event the construction of the Ram Temple on the site of the demolished Babri masjid. Drawing on Karl Marx's metaphor of religion as "the opium of the masses," the study examines how religious fervour has been harnessed as a potent political force in modern India, particularly in the context of rising Hindu nationalism. This research focuses on the period from the Babri Masjid demolition in 1992 to the Ram Mandir inauguration in 2024, analysing media coverage and political discourse throughout this transformative era in Indian politics. Through a discourse analysis of Hindu nationalist thought, the research investigates how these events have been portrayed in the media and their role in shaping a distinct form of ascetic masculinity in Indian society. The study employs a multidisciplinary approach, drawing on theories from political science, media studies, and gender studies. It analyses how religious symbolism has been mobilised for political purposes, the media's role in shaping public perception of these events, and the emergence of new political dimensions through a gender lens in India. By examining the interplay between religious politics, media representation, and masculinity, this research contributes to a deeper understanding of the complex dynamics shaping contemporary Indian society. It offers insights into how historical religious conflicts have been reframed in modern political discourse, the media's influence, and the implications for gender relations and national identity in India. While previous studies have examined Hindu nationalism or media representation in India separately, this research uniquely combines these elements with a focus on masculinity, offering new insights into the gendered nature of religious politics in contemporary India. This study is significant for scholars, policymakers, and media professionals seeking to understand the intersections of religion, politics, and gender in the Indian context, and how these factors continue to influence the nation's social and political landscape.