Kurukshetra Development Board: Religious Tourism and Communalism

Abstract

Embracing diversity and inclusivity in development endeavors not only enriches cultural heritage of any region but also fosters greater social cohesion, unity, and mutual understanding among communities. In the pursuit of development, Kurukshetra’s rich historical fabric, adorned with diverse religious threads, faces the shadows of communal biases. My thesis investigates the complex relationship between development, religious tourism and communalism through the lens of Kurukshetra Development Board’s activities. Despite the plural history of Kurukshetra, which includes influences from Buddhism, Jainism, Sikhism, Islam and others alongside Hinduism, the developmental initiatives of the Kurukshetra Development Board serve to reinforce a singular religious identity- that of Hinduism. By juxtaposing historical evidences and contemporary policies, my thesis elucidates the Board’s inclination towards privileging Hinduism and the consequent reinforcement of communal divisions by its activities in recent years. Moreover, excessive spending on temple construction, Hindu deity sculpture installation, and promoting Gita widely overshadows Kurukshetra’s inclusive heritage. This research advocates for a development approach that embraces Kurukshetra’s multifaceted religious heritage, promoting harmony and appreciation of diversity.