Nepali Hindutva: Barriers to the Transnational Diffusion of a Religious Ideology

This article examines the potential diffusion of Indian-style Hindu nationalism (Hindutva or ‘Hindu-ness’) to Nepal. Recent political rhetoric, political manifestos, publications and protest events suggest that ideological movements based on Hindutva ideology may be growing in strength in Nepal. This article contextualizes the possibility of diffusion of Hindutva ideology through the lens of a simple ‘supply and demand’ model, arguing that, to date, the supply chain of Hindutva in Nepal has failed to meet putative 'demand' for it.