M.N. Roy (Manabendra Nath Roy), a prominent intellectual and political leader in India during the early 20th century, developed a philosophical system known as Radical Humanism. As a Marxist revolutionary, he initially aligned with the Soviet communist ideology but later distanced himself, developing a distinctive political and philosophical outlook. His Radical Humanism became a key…
Category: political-philosophy
E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker’s Critique of Hinduism and Brahmanical Domination
Erode Venkata Ramaswamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar, was a pioneering social reformer, rationalist, and political thinker who played a foundational role in critiquing the caste-based inequalities and religious orthodoxy prevalent in Indian society, particularly in Tamil Nadu. Born in 1879, Periyar emerged as a key figure in the anti-caste and anti-Brahmanical movements of the…
Describe the salient features of M.S. Golwalkar’s Hindu Nationalism
M.S. Golwalkar (1906–1973), the second Sarsanghchalak (Chief of the RSS), was one of the most influential figures in the ideological development of Hindu nationalism in post-independence India. His ideas, articulated primarily in his books We, or Our Nationhood Defined (1939) and Bunch of Thoughts (1966), continue to shape the ideological framework of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak…
B.R. Ambedkar’s Critique of the Caste System
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891–1956) is widely recognized as one of the most influential social reformers and architects of modern India. As a champion of the rights of the Dalits (historically referred to as “untouchables”), Ambedkar’s critique of the caste system was profound, intellectual, and revolutionary. His analysis of the caste system not only challenged its…
Sri Aurobindo’s Vision of Nationalism
Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950), one of India’s most influential nationalist leaders, philosophers, and spiritual thinkers, developed a distinctive and profound vision of nationalism that blended spiritual ideas with the political and social aspirations of the Indian people. His philosophy of nationalism evolved during his time as an active participant in the Indian freedom struggle and later…
Raja Ram Mohan Roy as a Social Reformer
Raja Ram Mohan Roy (1772–1833) is often hailed as one of the foremost social reformers in 19th-century India. Known as the “Father of the Indian Renaissance,” his contributions to the social, cultural, and educational spheres were groundbreaking and transformative. His reforms laid the foundation for modern Indian thought and helped in shaping the trajectory of…
Describe the nature of state and sovereignty in Medieval India
The concept of the state and sovereignty in Medieval India underwent a significant transformation from the early medieval period to the later periods. The nature of the state during this era was not uniform; it was shaped by regional powers, the influence of Islam, the existence of various dynasties, and a complex relationship between religion…