Ethnocentrism and the Problem of Terrorism: A Sociological Analysis in the Context of Contemporary India

Abstract

The phenomenon of terrorism, intensively and extensively experienced over the last three decades in India and elsewhere; it is, in fact, an extreme expression of ethnocentrist mindset. As for India, it is most likely to lead to an erosion of the basic Indian cultural ethos of ‘unity in diversity’ and of its resilience. It has also become a challenge to Indian plural society and to its nationalism itself. The present research paper undertakes to analyse the real nature of this challenge, its forms and consequences, particularly in the context of the contemporary modern society.