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The Rise and Rise of Islamophobia in India

Muslims have been subjected to violence for decades, and Indian Prime Minister Narendra Modi has only made things worse.

The rise of islamophobia in India
By Danylo Hawaleshka
Published On 18 Apr 2023

History Illustrated is a weekly series of insightful perspectives that puts news events and current affairs into an historical context using graphics generated with artificial intelligence.

The rise of islamophobia in India
Muslims in India are being targeted by vile propaganda, intense intimidation and mob violence.
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The rise of islamophobia in India
For instance, Hindu nationalists in 1992 destroyed the 16th century Babri Mosque. Nationwide riots then killed about 2,000 people, mostly Muslims.
The rise of islamophobia in India
In 2002, 59 Hindu pilgrims were killed in a train fire in Gujarat state, which was blamed on Muslims.
The rise of islamophobia in India
Narendra Modi, who headed the state at that time, was accused of doing little to stop the violence.
The rise of islamophobia in India
In 2019, Modi’s Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party enacted a citizenship law, seen to discriminate against Muslims.
The rise of islamophobia in India
Human Rights Watch said ensuing riots in New Delhi over that law killed 53 people, mostly Muslims, and that Hindu mobs injured over 200.
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The rise of islamophobia in India
Propaganda films like The Kashmir Files demonise Muslims, a film Modi endorsed.
The rise of islamophobia in India
Today, mosques are often attacked, like the 300-year-old one in Uttar Pradesh razed for a highway.
The rise of islamophobia in India
This cycle of violence and vilification directed at a religious group is something history has seen before—and it never ends well.