Kurukshetra:

“The Land of the Gita” in Modern Nationalist Imagination

Abstract

This article explores the transformation of Thanesar into the modern city of Kurukshetra, examining how post-1947 developments have reshaped its identity as a sacred Hindu nationalist site. Historically, Thanesar was a pluralistic pilgrimage center with diverse religious associations, but after Partition, it was systematically rebranded as "The Land of the Gita," emphasizing its connection to the Mahābhārata and the Bhagavadgītā. Key initiatives—such as renaming the city, establishing the Kurukshetra Development Board (KDB), and promoting the Gita Jayanti Mahotsav—have reinforced its role in Hindu nationalist discourse. The article highlights how government efforts, monumental constructions (like the Krishna-Arjuna chariot statue), and political rhetoric (including Prime Minister Narendra Modi’s speeches) have aligned Kurukshetra with a singular Vaishnava-Krishnaite narrative, marginalizing its earlier religious diversity. This reorientation reflects broader trends in India’s cultural nationalism, where sacred geography is leveraged to consolidate Hindu identity.