Representatives of the self-proclaimed United States of Kailasa, described as the world’s first “sovereign nation” for Hindus, have faced legal challenges in Bolivia. This group claims to have its own passports, a “cosmic constitution,” and an official currency in sacred gold, managed by a “reserve bank.”
Recently, Bolivian authorities arrested 20 individuals associated with Kailasa, accusing them of “land trafficking” after they negotiated 1,000-year leases with Indigenous groups for large areas of the Amazon. The agreements were declared void, and the individuals were deported to their home countries, including India, the United States, Sweden, and China.
Bolivia’s Ministry of Foreign Affairs stated that the country does not maintain diplomatic relations with the United States of Kailasa. Attempts to obtain comments from Kailasa’s press office were unsuccessful.
The origins of Kailasa trace back to 2019, when its leader, Swami Nithyananda, fled India amid serious allegations of rape, torture, and child abuse. Nithyananda, who was born Arunachalam Rajasekaran, established a following and claimed to possess miraculous powers, including the ability to facilitate reincarnation for the wealthy.
After fleeing India, Nithyananda resurfaced with the announcement of the United States of Kailasa, claiming it was a revival of historical Hindu kingdoms. The nation’s website offers “free e-citizenship” and asserts its sovereign lands are located in the Andean region.
Kailasa has previously attracted attention for its controversial dealings, including a memorandum of understanding signed with a senior official in Paraguay, which led to his resignation. In Bolivia, Kailasa representatives, who arrived on tourist visas, managed to take a photo with President Luis Arce, although there is no evidence that Nithyananda was present.
Scandal erupted following an investigation that revealed the nature of the leases signed with Indigenous groups. Leaders from the Baure group, who initially engaged with Kailasa representatives after forest fires, expressed regret over their agreement, which they later discovered included extensive terms that were not initially disclosed.
Pedro Guasico, a leader of the Baure, stated that they were misled into signing a contract that promised financial compensation for land conservation but ultimately proved to be deceptive.