Hindu Hindu hindu – hinsa hinsa hinsa.

The words uttered by Rahul Gandhi on 1st July 2024 inside the Parliament are not just the utterances of an immature 52-year-old man trying to be a politician. The plot behind the word is much more sinister and grave than that. These are not his words. These are the words of the mindset that was rooted in this country way back in 1920s’.

Let’s look at some of the significant events of those times. 

In 1919, the Khilafat Movement was a political campaign launched by Indian Muslims in British India over British policy against Turkey after World war I. Khilafat meetings in Malabar  in 1921 fueled communal sentiments among the Moplahs  (the Muslim tenants inhabiting the Malabar region where most of the landlords were Hindus), leading to Moplah Rebellion. 

The Moplah Rebellion of 1921 was marked by extensive anti-Hindu violence, resulting in the massacre of over 10,000 and forced expulsion of 1,00,000 Hindus, destruction of over 2,000 temples, and numerous forced conversions.

The Bapu or the father of the nation at that time who everyone was looking towards to seek direction in the aftermath of such a tragedy responded “The Moplahs were right in presenting the Koran or sword to the Hindus. And if the Hindus became Mussalmans to save themselves from death, it was a voluntary change of faith and not forcible conversion.”

On December 23, 1926, Abdul Rashid, a Muslim assassin, killed Swami Shraddhananda, a leader of the Arya Samaj, while he was praying. Shraddhananda had initiated a program to reconvert Malkana Rajputs to Hinduism, bringing him into conflict with Muslim clerics. 

After the assassination, Mohandas Gandhi controversially referred to Rashid as "brother" and did not blame him for the murder, instead holding those who incited hatred responsible. He said “If you hold dear the memory of Swami Shraddhanandji, you would help in purging the atmosphere of mutual hatred and calumny. Now you will perhaps understand why I have called Abdul Rashid a brother, and I repeat it. I do not even regard him as guilty of Swamiji’s murder. Guilty indeed are all those who excited feelings of hatred against one another.”

It is important to understand the significance of the timing of these 2 incidents and how it impacted the psyche of an average Indian. The 1920s in India was a time of profound transformation, where the environment was fertile for the blossoming of new ideas and narratives. This era, characterized by the struggle against British rule and the quest for self-identity, witnessed a surge in revolutionary fervour and cultural renaissance. The introduction of new technologies such as trams and silent films further fuelled this dynamic period of change. Amidst this backdrop, the nation was a crucible of innovation and ideological shifts, setting the stage for a new era of independence and self-discovery.

Hence, it was an opportune moment for influential figures and storytellers like Mohandas Gandhi to shape the emerging narrative. Through his speeches and actions, Gandhi was acutely aware that he was establishing the framework and standards that would endure for generations. It was a pivotal time to rewrite the history of the nation. 

If you examine Gandhi's words regarding both incidents, it's evident that he was establishing an expectation for Hindus to remain passive. Regardless of the extent of unprovoked violence they faced, they were not to raise an eyebrow, flinch, or complain.