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Deep Dive: Broken Gods (2019)

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Broken Gods
Broken Gods focuses on the Rathava and Bhil adivasi communities in western India, examining the impact of Hindu religious evangelism on Indigenous ways of life. As the current Hindu nationalist government seeks to promote a homogenous Hindu identity, the adivasis face increasing pressure to abandon their traditional beliefs. The film illustrates how the conversion to Hindu sects leads to the erasure of old gods, with devotional murals being whitewashed and earthen figurines left to decay. The documentary captures the social ramifications of this shift, showing how those who convert to Hinduism often find a perceived better life, while those who maintain their traditional practices face ostracism. The film portrays the loss of spiritual protection that the adivasis once derived from their old gods, as their communities grapple with illness and scarcity amidst these changes.

Why Watch

  • •See how Hindu nationalism affects Indigenous beliefs.
  • •Find out why adivasis face community ostracism.
  • •Meet the Rathava and Bhil adivasi communities.

Did You Know

•India has one of the largest populations of Indigenous people in the world.
•Adivasis are locally known as tribals, specifically Rathava and Bhil.
•Devotional mural paintings in adivasi homes are being whitewashed.
•Earthen figurines honoring village gods are being left to fall apart.

Perfect For

Hindu nationalismIndigenous rightsCultural anthropology