Trads (short for "Traditionalists") is a term used to describe various internet groups relating to thealt-right within theHindutva movement. Advocating for aHindu nation based on traditional values andBrahminical supremacy, they also want a strict adherence to the traditionalHindu caste system.[1][2] The group is seen as a Hindu supremacist faction that criticises otherHindutva groups like theRashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), theVishva Hindu Parishad (VHP), and theBharatiya Janata Party (BJP), for weakening "true" Hindu traditions.[3] Their content is based on provocative hate based on caste, religion, race, and gender and these groups promoterhetoric for genocide of Muslims and other Indian minorities.[4][5][6]
A sub-cultural movement, it hosts the people who are inspired by the idea of a Hindu nation. The term "trad" is short for "traditional".[7][8] The debate between trads and other Hindutva supporters exist due to the differences between their ideologies. The trads consider themselves as the defenders of Hinduism and findNarendra Modi to be soft on the Muslims andDalits.[4][9][10][11]
Trads refer to other Hindu nationalist factions as "raitas" for having softer stances toward caste hierarchy and non-Hindu religions.[12] Raitas generally support Narendra Modi and RSS, while Trads often criticise RSS and use the term "Maulana Modi" forNarendra Modi in a derogatory manner.[13][14]
| Aspect | Trads | Raitas |
|---|---|---|
| Ideological position[15] | Hardline, extremist Hindutva | Mainstream, pro-Hindutva |
| View on Narendra Modi[13] | Critical, call him "Maulana Modi" for being too moderate | Supportive, view him as a strong leader |
| Approach to Hindutva[16] | Advocate for a purist, traditionalist Hindu state | Support a more pragmatic, electoral Hindutva |
| Views on Muslims and minorities[17] | Openly extremist, support violence against them | Prefer institutional suppression over direct action |
| Involvement in controversies[18] | Linked toBulli Bai andSulli Deals hate campaigns | Often defend BJP fromleft-wing criticism |
| View on RSS andBJP[19] | Criticise RSS and BJP for being too soft | Strongly support BJP and RSS |
| View on the Constitution[19] | WantManusmriti as the constitution | Prefer the Indian Constitution with desirable changes |
Trads are primarily active in online spaces, using social media to conduct campaigns and disseminate extremist content. They frequently use memes and do not have a formal organizational structure.[20]Doge memes,Wojak face memes, andPepe the Frog memes are often used by trads. The green frog with a skullcap is used to mockMuslims, while the blue frog is used as an insult againstAmbedkarite Dalits, referring them as "Bhimtas."[21]
Sulli Deals was an open-source app created by Trads used to target Muslim women by sharing their photographs and personal details online.[22] The app was hosted onGitHub and sparked outrage, leading to legal action and police investigations.[23] TheDelhi Police registered an FIR after theNational Commission for Women tooksuo moto cognizance of the case.[24] The app's creator, Aumkareshwar Thakur, a self-identified trad member andBCA student fromIndore, was arrested in January 2022 but later granted bail.[25][26]
Following the incident, a similar app calledBulli Bai emerged in early 2022, targeting Muslim women in a similar manner. The police arrested trad member Neeraj Bishnoi, as a key suspect in the case.[27][28]
The rigid stance and aggressive tactics of the trads have drawn widespread criticism. Human rights organizations and political opponents argue that their ideology deepens social divisions and weakens democratic pluralism.[29]
The conflict between trads and raitas is viewed by some political analysts as a reflection of deeper fractures within the Hindutva movement.[30]
...They are 'trads' and they call other 'mainstream' Hindutva supporters 'raitas'.
They call Prime Minister Narendra Modi "Maulana Modi" for his 'Sabka Saath, Sabka Vikas' slogan and oppose RSS chief Mohan Bhagwat's claim of all Indians having the same DNA.
All those arrested in the Bulli Bai and Sulli Deals cases are 'Trads'. Those opposing them are known as 'Raitas'.
[...]and swear by the Manusmriti over the Indian Constitution[....]Trads consider the BJP, RSS and their icon Veer Savarkar rivals and consider the Shankaracharya of Dwaraka and Puri as their gurus.
Trads love memes and loathe mainstream Hindu nationalist parties, even the ruling BJP.