There is an array of nuances and complexities involved in the rise of Southasia’s fundamentalisms, either in the form of marginal groups or as a part of mainstream national politics. In this special issue, Himal ropes in essays, reports and analyses tracking fundamentalism trends. We hear impassioned pleas for humane leftwing politics, for a change in US policies as they impact on Southasia’s peoples, and for introspection on the part of Muslims as Islamist extremism takes root. We analyse terror alignments within the Indian Hindu right, and bring forth its relationship with Nepal’s king. We explore the connection between the repression of sexuality and the psyche of fascism; and analyse the lure of extremist ideology for women, whether Muslim or Hindu. We uncover Buddhist certitude in Sri Lanka, and trace extremist visions lapping on Maldivian shores. Most importantly, the articles in this issue survey the links between nationalism and extremism of all hues.

Our cover photograph is by Dhaka-based photojournalist Tanvir Murad Topu, part of a look at madrassas in Bangladesh that is also included as a photo feature in this issue. We present Topu’s work on our cover in order to juxtapose the political radicalisation of religious fundamentalism with the crucial facet common to all faiths: one that is magnanimous, tolerant, empathetic towards others, and soothing for the practitioner.