e x i s t i n g 🐱

The categorization of diverse traditions in Indian subcontinent under the umbrella term 'Hinduism' were done by European colonizers and traders. Even though the word 'Hindu' word has Persian roots and had existed for centuries, 'Hinduism' as a religious label emerged fairly recently...in 19th century. The association between 'Hinduism' and 'India' is not something sanghis invented, they are playing into a pre-existing notion set by Europeans who referred to the whole Indian subcontinent as 'India'.

If we consider modern day geographic boundaries of South Asia...Afghanistan, Pakistan, Bangladesh and Maldives are Islamic countries, Bhutan and Sri Lanka are Buddhist majority countries, Nepal and India are Hindu majority countries. 95% of global Hindu population reside in India, and religion does serve as a tool to gain support of a portion of Hindu demographic.