In the name of the cow

Since the Hindu nationalist right came to power, India has seen a resurgence in intercommunal tensions. The veneration of the sacred cow now serves to assert Hindu supremacy in a country where religious minorities represent 17% of the population. Along with the Untouchables, they are the main targets of the cow protection brigades. The dream of a great and indivisible India stretching from Afghanistan to Burma is also resurfacing in the Indian debate.