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The Cow as a Workshipped Animal and a Political Symbol: The Cow Protection Movement in the Modern India (Goraksha Movement)
Hyhlíková, Zuzana ; Strnad, Jaroslav (advisor) ; Štipl, Zdeněk (referee)
In my thesis, I have attempted to describe the development of the cow as a domesticated animal to a political symbol in India as well as its consequences. Although, the cow, like other animals, was used for sacrifices, and people ate its meat in Vedic times, over time it acquired higher status than other animals. Because of its connection with Brahmanism, it has become one of the main symbols of the nationalist Hinduism and it is used for ideological purposes. The symbol of mother cow embodies the entire mother India for orthodox Hindus, who do not hesitate to defend her in all kinds of ways. The militant offshoots of the Hindu nationalist organizations turn their hatred against people who have traditionally been killing cows, especially against Muslims and Dalits. In the name of cow protection, they attack their opponents and incite communal riots. Political party BJP led by current Prime Minister Narendra Modi fights for cow protection at the political level. There have already introduced certain forms of cow slaughter ban in the states where BJP controls the government. Due to the appeal of the Supreme Court in July 2017, the nationwide prohibition has not been applied yet.
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