Indian Movie Caravan Songs

[Casio Bauman]

TheTaj Mahal in India, one of the seven wonders of world, was built by a Muslim king in 1632 in the memory of his bellowed wife Mumtaz Mahal after her death. The ancient monument recently made headlines in India after right-wing Hindu supporters claimed that it was a Hindu temple.

"The lyrics... have become street anthems for right-wing supporters, who chant these verses while passing through Muslim dominated neighbourhoods in a large caravan while displaying swords in their hands"

"As this new genre of hate songs continues to surge in popularity, many worry that music could become a powerful vehicle through which violence against the already heavily persecuted Muslim community is instigated"

As this new genre of hate songs continues to surge in popularity, many worry that music could become a powerful vehicle through which violence against the already heavily persecuted Muslim community is instigated. Ahmed worries that the audio visual format of Hindutva pop could alter the dynamics of religious violence through its attraction power.

Muheet Ul Islam is a journalist and a filmmaker from Indian administered Kashmir. He contributes for several publications such as Voice of America, TRT World and The Diplomat. Follow him on Twitter: @muheetreports

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