Articulating Hindu Masculinity and Femininity-Shuddhi and Sangathan Movements in United Provinces in the 1920s

'Shuddhi' and 'Sangathan' Movements in United Provinces in the 1920s Charu Gupta Various articulations of a militant Hindu community, which have become more strident and powerful in contemporary India, have had historical roots, especially in the colonial period. The deployment of certain gender icons, images and themes has helped in constructing and negotiating a Hindu identity. The present paper is an attempt to explore the interrelationship between masculinity and femininity and Hindu communal and militant organisations in early 20th century United Provinces in the specific context of the sangathan and shuddhi 'movements.