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Ancient Epics in the Television Age: Religious Identity and the Rise of Hindu Nationalism in India

Author

Listed:
  • Dean Yang
  • Alessandro Saia
  • Akhila Kovvuri
  • Resuf Ahmed
  • Paul Brimble

Abstract

How does strengthened religious identity affect society and politics? We study the impact of “Ramayan,” the massively popular televised version of the Hindu epic. We conduct difference-in-difference analyses, measuring Ramayan exposure with TV signal strength in Indian localities at the time of airing in 1987. Localities with higher Ramayan exposure saw persistently strengthened Hindu religious identity, measured by newborn names and dietary practices; short-run increases in Hindu-Muslim communal violence; and longer-run increases in electoral success for the Hindu nationalist Bharatiya Janata Party. Increased presence of Hindu religious schools is a likely mechanism behind long-run persistence of effects.

Suggested Citation

  • Dean Yang & Alessandro Saia & Akhila Kovvuri & Resuf Ahmed & Paul Brimble, 2025. "Ancient Epics in the Television Age: Religious Identity and the Rise of Hindu Nationalism in India," NBER Working Papers 33417, National Bureau of Economic Research, Inc.
    • Handle: RePEc:nbr:nberwo:33417
    Note: DEV POL
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    More about this item

    JEL classification:

    • D72 - Microeconomics - - Analysis of Collective Decision-Making - - - Political Processes: Rent-seeking, Lobbying, Elections, Legislatures, and Voting Behavior
    • L82 - Industrial Organization - - Industry Studies: Services - - - Entertainment; Media
    • Z12 - Other Special Topics - - Cultural Economics - - - Religion

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