The Lens of Belief: How Bias Shapes Perception Among Hindu Nationalists in India

 The Lens of Belief: How Bias Shapes Perception Among Hindu Nationalists in India

Introduction

In India, a land of diverse cultures and deep-rooted traditions, belief systems often shape how people interpret information. Among Hindu nationalists, a pattern emerges: ideas aligning with their worldview are often embraced with little scrutiny, while those challenging their beliefs face intense skepticism and critique. This selective reasoning isn’t unique to any group, but its manifestation in Hindu nationalist circles reveals fascinating insights into human psychology and group dynamics. This article explores how confirmation bias drives this behavior, with examples illustrating the phenomenon and its implications.

The Psychology of Confirmation Bias

Confirmation bias, the tendency to favor information that aligns with pre-existing beliefs, is universal. For Hindu nationalists, whose ideology often blends pride in Hindu heritage with a narrative of historical grievance, this bias manifests distinctly. Ideas reinforcing their worldview—such as the supremacy of Hindu culture or perceived threats from minorities—are quickly accepted. Conversely, counter-narratives are dissected with rigor, often dismissed with elaborate counterarguments, no matter how tenuous.

This isn’t about a lack of intelligence. Many Hindu nationalists are well-educated and articulate. Yet, the emotional weight of identity and ideology can override critical thinking, especially when beliefs feel tied to survival or cultural resurgence. The result is a dual standard: a welcoming embrace for convenient truths and a fortress of skepticism for inconvenient ones.

Examples in Action

1. Historical Narratives: The Glorification of Ancient India
   Hindu nationalist circles often promote the idea that ancient India was a global pinnacle of science, technology, and philosophy. Claims like “ancient Hindus invented airplanes” (based on references to Vimanas in texts like the Mahabharata) or “stem cell research existed in Vedic times” are circulated widely. These ideas, often shared via WhatsApp forwards or speeches by influential figures, are rarely questioned by supporters. The allure of a glorious past fits the narrative of Hindu pride, so the lack of archaeological evidence or scientific corroboration is overlooked.
   Contrast this with the skepticism toward established historical research. For instance, when historians suggest that certain Vedic practices evolved over time or that the Aryan migration theory has genetic and linguistic backing, these claims are met with fierce resistance. Critics demand exhaustive evidence, question the motives of researchers (often labeling them “anti-Hindu”), and propose alternative theories, even if they rely on speculative interpretations of ancient texts.
2. Cow Protection and Scientific Claims
   The cow holds sacred status in Hinduism, and Hindu nationalists often advocate for its protection with fervor. Claims about the medicinal properties of cow urine or dung—such as curing cancer or boosting immunity—are widely accepted in these circles. Social media posts and “scientific” papers from sympathetic sources are shared without much scrutiny, despite limited peer-reviewed evidence. The belief in the cow’s sanctity makes such claims emotionally resonant, bypassing the need for rigorous validation.
   However, when scientific studies challenge these ideas—like reports showing no significant health benefits from cow-based remedies—the response is different. Critics of these studies might argue that Western science is biased against Indian traditions or that the research is incomplete. Every methodological flaw, real or imagined, is magnified to discredit findings that don’t align with the revered status of the cow.
3. Political Narratives and Media Consumption
   Hindu nationalists often rally behind political figures who champion their cause, accepting their rhetoric at face value. For example, during elections, claims about economic achievements or promises of cultural restoration are taken as gospel by supporters, even if data (like unemployment rates or GDP growth) tells a more complex story. The emotional appeal of a “Hindu-first” agenda overshadows the need for deeper analysis.
   On the flip side, allegations against favored leaders—such as corruption scandals or policy failures—are met with elaborate defenses. Supporters might argue that the accusations are conspiracies by “anti-national” forces, foreign media, or opposition parties. Minor inconsistencies in critical reports are blown out of proportion to dismiss them entirely, while similar inconsistencies in favorable narratives are ignored.

Why This Happens: The Role of Identity and Community

This selective reasoning isn’t just individual; it’s reinforced by community dynamics. Hindu nationalist groups often operate in echo chambers—be it WhatsApp groups, social media pages, or local organizations—where like-minded individuals amplify shared beliefs. Dissenting voices are sidelined or vilified, creating a feedback loop that rewards conformity and discourages questioning. When beliefs are tied to identity, challenging them feels like a personal attack, making people cling tighter to shaky arguments.

Moreover, the narrative of “Hindu victimhood”—the idea that Hindus have been oppressed for centuries by invaders, colonial powers, or secularists—adds emotional fuel. Ideas that restore pride or promise empowerment are embraced as acts of defiance, while those questioning the narrative are seen as threats to be neutralized.

The Broader Implications

This pattern of selective scrutiny has consequences. It can deepen polarization, as groups become less open to dialogue and more entrenched in their views. Misinformation, when unchallenged, spreads faster, shaping public opinion and policy. For instance, unverified claims about ancient India’s achievements can influence education curricula, while cow protection myths can drive vigilante violence.

Yet, this isn’t a uniquely “Hindu nationalist” problem. Every group—whether political, religious, or ideological—grapples with confirmation bias. The question is whether individuals can step back and examine their own reasoning with the same rigor they apply to opposing views.

A Path Forward: Encouraging Critical Thinking

Breaking free from bias requires conscious effort. For Hindu nationalists, or anyone, here are a few steps to foster balanced thinking:

• Question Everything Equally: Apply the same skepticism to ideas you like as those you don’t. If a claim about ancient India excites you, dig into primary sources. If a critique of your beliefs angers you, pause and evaluate its evidence calmly.
• Diversify Your Sources: Step outside echo chambers. Read historians, scientists, and commentators who don’t share your worldview. You don’t have to agree, but understanding their reasoning sharpens your own.
• Embrace Uncertainty: Not every belief needs to be absolute. It’s okay to say, “I don’t know enough yet” or “This needs more evidence.” Curiosity is strength, not weakness.

Conclusion

Hindu nationalists, like any group, are shaped by the human tendency to embrace what feels right and defend what feels sacred. The examples above—glorified histories, cow-related claims, and political loyalty—show how bias filters reality, letting convenient ideas slide through while blocking challenging ones. Recognizing this pattern isn’t about pointing fingers; it’s about understanding ourselves. In a world of competing narratives, the courage to question our own beliefs is the first step toward truth.

The Sanghi Ecosystem in India: A Study in Amplification and Influence

 In India’s hyper-connected digital age, information travels faster than ever before. But not all information spreads organically. Some narratives are propelled with precision, backed by a well-oiled machinery of ideology, membership, and money. The "Sanghi ecosystem," a term often used to describe the network of individuals, organizations, and media aligned with Hindutva ideology, has mastered this art of amplification. From WhatsApp forwards to prime-time debates, this ecosystem can transform a local incident into a national firestorm within hours, often before facts are fully verified. Its reach is vast, its methods relentless, and its impact profound. But what makes this ecosystem so powerful, and why does it seem to dominate India’s public discourse?

The Mechanics of Amplification

The Sanghi ecosystem thrives on scale and speed. With millions of supporters, ranging from grassroots volunteers to influential figures, it operates like a decentralized yet coordinated network. The process begins when an incident—often in an opposition-ruled state—catches the ecosystem’s attention. The criteria are specific: the issue must involve opposition leaders, evoke a sense of Hindu grievance, or, ideally, cast Muslims as culprits. Once identified, the incident is fed into a vast digital pipeline.

Social media platforms become the first battleground. WhatsApp groups, numbering in the thousands, circulate tailored messages—text, images, or videos—designed to provoke outrage. Twitter (now X), Instagram, Telegram, Reddit, and Quora see a surge of posts, often from accounts with large followings, amplifying the narrative. Hashtags trend, memes proliferate, and emotionally charged rhetoric dominates. Within hours, the issue spills into mainstream media. Prime-time TV debates on what critics call “Godi media” dissect the incident with fervor, while front-page newspaper headlines lend it gravitas. The cycle is relentless, feeding itself until the issue feels inescapable.

This rapid escalation leaves little room for pause. Ordinary citizens, bombarded with information from trusted sources—family chats, news channels, or social media influencers—are swept into the narrative. Verification becomes secondary to emotion. By the time police investigations or court proceedings begin, public opinion has often solidified, shaped by a trial-by-media that thrives on speed over substance.

The Ecosystem’s Reach: Beyond Digital Borders

What sets the Sanghi ecosystem apart is its ability to transcend the digital realm. It’s not just about viral posts or TV debates; the narrative infiltrates classrooms, workplaces, and institutions. UPSC coaching centers, a cornerstone of India’s aspirational culture, see teachers weave these issues into lectures, framing them as case studies or moral lessons. College professors, wittingly or not, bring the discourse into academic spaces, sparking debates among students. This offline amplification ensures the narrative isn’t confined to screens—it becomes part of everyday conversation.

The ecosystem’s strength lies in its membership. From small-town volunteers to urban professionals, its ranks include bureaucrats, lawyers, police officers, and even judges—individuals who wield institutional power. This creates a feedback loop where the ecosystem’s priorities influence governance itself. A police officer sympathetic to Hindutva might prioritize a high-profile case over others, fast-tracking investigations to align with public outrage. Courts, under pressure from media scrutiny and public sentiment, may expedite hearings. The result is a system that feels responsive to the ecosystem’s demands, reinforcing its narrative of justice delivered.

Selective Outrage and Narrative Control

Critics argue that the Sanghi ecosystem doesn’t amplify every injustice—it cherry-picks those that fit a specific agenda. Incidents that don’t align with its ideological framework—say, those involving Hindu perpetrators or occurring in BJP-ruled states—rarely achieve the same virality. This selective outrage shapes public perception, creating an impression that certain communities or leaders are perpetually at fault. The ecosystem’s ability to frame Muslims as culprits or opposition leaders as complicit amplifies divisive narratives, often drowning out calls for nuance or fairness.

This isn’t to say the issues raised are always baseless. Wrongdoings deserve condemnation, and public awareness can drive accountability. But the ecosystem’s approach often bypasses due process, favoring spectacle over scrutiny. By the time counter-narratives emerge—say, a police report debunking initial claims or a court ruling providing clarity—the public has moved on, leaving the original narrative entrenched.

The Power of Money and Numbers

The Sanghi ecosystem’s dominance stems from its resources. Organizations like the RSS, with millions of members and a sprawling network of affiliates, provide logistical and financial muscle. Wealthy donors and corporate backers fuel media campaigns, while tech-savvy operatives ensure digital dominance. This financial clout allows the ecosystem to outspend and outmaneuver rivals, whether liberal or Islamist networks, which lack comparable scale or coordination.

Numbers matter too. The sheer volume of supporters—active across platforms, professions, and regions—creates a multiplier effect. A single WhatsApp forward can reach millions in hours, each share amplifying the signal. Compare this to fragmented opposition voices, often divided by ideology or region, and the Sanghi ecosystem’s edge becomes clear. It’s not just about influence—it’s about overwhelming the information space.

The Double-Edged Sword

The ecosystem’s efficiency is a sight to behold, but it’s not without flaws. Its reliance on speed can backfire, spreading misinformation before facts are clear. High-profile cases, like the 2020 Hathras incident or the 2022 Hijab controversy, saw initial narratives unravel under scrutiny, denting credibility. Yet, the ecosystem’s resilience—its ability to pivot to the next issue—means setbacks rarely slow it down.

For India’s democracy, this raises tough questions. A system that can mobilize millions to highlight injustice is powerful, but when it prioritizes ideology over truth, it risks polarizing society. The Sanghi ecosystem’s ability to set the agenda, often unchallenged, underscores the need for counterweights—independent media, fact-checkers, and institutions insulated from populist pressure. Without these, the ecosystem’s free pass to shape narratives could erode trust in due process itself.

Conclusion: A Call for Reflection

The Sanghi ecosystem is a masterclass in modern influence, blending ideology, technology, and institutional clout to dominate India’s public sphere. Its ability to make any issue a national talking point within 48 hours is unmatched, driven by a vast membership and deep pockets. But with great power comes responsibility. Amplifying selective narratives at breakneck speed can distort justice as much as it demands it. For India’s citizens, navigating this ecosystem requires vigilance—pausing to verify, questioning outrage, and seeking truth beyond the noise. Only then can discourse remain a tool for unity, not division.

The Legal Gray Area of Sex Toys in India: Could Legalization Help

 India, a country with deeply rooted cultural norms and traditional views on sexuality, is slowly beginning to engage with modern conversations about sexual health. However, when it comes to sex toys, the conversation is still largely hush-hush, veiled in a legal and cultural gray area. These products, which play an essential role in personal sexual health and expression, are not explicitly illegal in India. Yet, their sale and use are still surrounded by ambiguity, particularly when compared to more liberal countries.

As India continues to grow and modernize in many aspects, the question arises: Should sex toys be legalized? And if so, could it potentially contribute to solving some of the country’s larger, more pressing issues around sexual violence and rape?

---

The Current Status of Sex Toys in India

In India, the sale of sex toys is not technically illegal, but it is also not explicitly regulated. Under Section 292 of the Indian Penal Code, the sale and distribution of "obscene" materials are prohibited. This has often been interpreted to include adult toys, making the availability of these products both illegal and hard to track. As a result, consumers may buy sex toys discreetly through online retailers that ship products in plain packaging, or they may visit shops that cater to niche markets.

Despite the availability of sex toys through online stores like IMbesharam and Shycart, the stigma surrounding their use remains pervasive. This stigma is deeply embedded in Indian society, where conversations about sexuality and pleasure are often suppressed or taboo. As such, many who purchase these products do so in secrecy, as any open conversation about sex is typically met with societal judgment.

---

Rape: A Complex Issue in India

Sexual violence in India is unfortunately widespread, and the country has one of the highest rates of reported rape cases in the world. However, the causes of rape are deeply multifaceted and complex, often rooted in issues like misogyny, social inequality, gender-based violence, poor sex education, and patriarchal norms.

Rape is not merely a consequence of sexual desire or frustration but a violent expression of power, control, and dominance. Thus, reducing the incidence of rape requires addressing root causes, such as a lack of sexual education, the objectification of women, and the suppression of sexual expression. The question, then, is whether legalizing sex toys could be a step toward a solution, offering a healthier way for individuals to express their sexuality in a private and controlled environment.

---

Could Legalizing Sex Toys Help Reduce Rape?

While no direct studies in India specifically link the legalization of sex toys with a decrease in rape rates, there are global studies that suggest a potential connection between legal access to sexual outlets and reductions in sexual violence.

One such study, examining prostitution laws across 31 European countries, found that countries which legalized prostitution experienced a reduction in rape rates by approximately 3 cases per 100,000 people. Conversely, countries that maintained prostitution prohibitions saw an increase of 11 cases per 100,000 people. The study concluded that legal access to commercial sex may serve as a substitute for potential offenders, potentially reducing the likelihood of sexual violence.

In a similar vein, adult entertainment venues, such as strip clubs, have been shown to reduce crime rates in surrounding areas. A study conducted in New York City found that the opening of these venues led to a 13% reduction in sex crimes in the surrounding precincts within a week. The researchers suggest that adult entertainment venues might provide a safer, more socially acceptable outlet for sexual urges, thereby decreasing the incidence of violent crimes like rape.

---

Is Legalizing Sex Toys the Answer?

Based on these studies, there is evidence to suggest that providing legal, regulated sexual outlets, such as sex toys, might help reduce the likelihood of sexual violence. These studies argue that when individuals have access to safe and consensual ways to express their sexuality, the likelihood of violent sexual behavior may decrease. However, this is by no means a cure-all solution for rape in India or anywhere else.

Rape is primarily driven by issues of power, dominance, and control, not sexual frustration alone. Therefore, while legalizing sex toys could be part of a broader strategy for improving sexual health and education, it should not be seen as a silver bullet for addressing sexual violence. A holistic approach is needed, one that includes comprehensive sex education, stronger legal protections for women, challenging misogynistic attitudes, and increased awareness around consent.

---

Why India Should Consider Legalizing Sex Toys

India has long struggled with open discussions about sexuality. The taboo around sex toys reflects a broader societal discomfort with acknowledging sexual pleasure outside of heterosexual marriage. Yet, as the country modernizes, it is crucial to break down these barriers and engage in open, respectful conversations about sexual health and rights.

Legalizing sex toys could:

1. Promote sexual health and well-being, offering individuals a way to explore their sexuality in a healthy, private manner.

2. Encourage better sex education by removing the shame and stigma around sexuality and promoting open dialogue about consent, respect, and personal boundaries.

3. Help reduce sexual violence, by providing safe, consensual alternatives for sexual expression and possibly decreasing the pressure placed on individuals who might otherwise turn to violent outlets.

---

Conclusion

Legalizing sex toys in India could indeed be a small but significant step toward fostering a healthier, more open sexual culture. However, this alone will not be enough to solve the problem of sexual violence. A comprehensive approach that addresses the deeper cultural and systemic issues surrounding gender inequality, sexual education, and the treatment of women is essential. But by removing the stigma and making sexual health products legally available, India could take a crucial step toward reducing violence and promoting a more respectful and inclusive society.