a royal erasureWhy Hindu Nationalists Want to Erase Mughal History The Mughal dynasty's presence in Indian history threatens the idea of a homogenous Hindu past -- and thereby, the idea of India as Hindu. By Amlan Sarkar
Saffron RainbowRSS Chief Endorses LGBTQ Rights. Here’s Why It Rings Hollow. The RSS has had a contradictory stance on queer rights -- showing how the use of progressive ideas can couch bigotry. By Akankshya Bahinipaty
Bye RamThe Buzz Cut: Religious Film Spirals Into Existential Crisis as Own Community Disowns It This week in The Buzz Cut: a film is let down by its people, a mystery is finally solved, and an actor upholds gender stereotypes. By Rohitha Naraharisetty
Weaponizing MisinformationRightwing Trolls Outrage at Fabindia’s Urdu Phrase in Diwali Collection The brand called Diwali a “Jashn-e-Riwaaz,” triggering the tired and erroneous argument that Urdu is not an Indian language. By Saumya Kalia
One-UppingWhat Delhi’s Anti‑Muslim Chants Can Teach Us About ‘Ethnic Outbidding’ The inflammatory sloganeering is an example of “ethnic outbidding,” where groups demonize minoretized sections to gain political support. By Saumya Kalia