Religion in pre-modern India was not just a matter of personal belief but a powerful force that shaped the political landscape. The intertwining of religion and polity can be traced across various dynasties, regions, and periods in India’s history. Religion influenced governance, statecraft, laws, social structures, and even warfare. Pre-modern India, predominantly a Hindu-majority society,…
Tag: india
B.R. Ambedkar’s critique of the caste system
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891–1956), a prominent social reformer, jurist, and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, was a staunch critic of the caste system. His life and work were deeply intertwined with the struggle for the upliftment of the Dalits (formerly referred to as the “Untouchables”) and the eradication of caste-based discrimination. Ambedkar’s critique…
Jawaharlal Nehru’s views on Secularism
Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964), the first Prime Minister of independent India, was a towering figure in Indian political thought and a staunch advocate of secularism. His understanding of secularism was central to his vision of a modern, pluralistic, and democratic India. Secularism, for Nehru, was not merely a policy of non-interference by the state in religious…
Write an essay on the philosophical foundations of Gandhi’s political orientation
Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948) stands as one of the most prominent figures in the history of political thought and action, not just in India but globally. His political orientation was profoundly rooted in his philosophical beliefs, which were influenced by a combination of Indian religious traditions, Western philosophical ideas, and his personal experiences. Gandhi’s political philosophy…
Tagore’s theory of freedom
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941), a towering figure in Indian intellectual and cultural history, contributed immensely to political thought through his reflections on freedom, nationalism, education, and humanism. His theory of freedom, deeply embedded in his philosophical, spiritual, and artistic worldview, is multidimensional—encompassing individual, spiritual, political, and universal elements. In contrast to the prevalent notions of nationalism…
Critically examine various trends in Muslim thinking in pre-Independence India
Muslim thought in pre-Independence India was marked by a diversity of intellectual traditions and political movements that reflected the complex socio-political landscape of the time. These trends ranged from reformist to conservative, and from collaborative to resistant in their approach to colonial rule, religious identity, and the future of the Indian nation. This essay critically…
M.S. Golwalkar’s views on Hindu Nationalism
M.S. Golwalkar, one of the foremost ideologues of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is widely recognized for his contributions to the development of Hindu nationalism in India. His ideas significantly shaped the discourse on Hindu identity, nationalism, and the role of religion in the nation-state. His views were largely articulated through his influential works, particularly…
Discuss Nationalism and its features with special reference to liberal ideas
Nationalism, as a political and ideological movement, emerged as one of the most powerful forces in modern history, shaping the trajectory of political development and revolution. In the context of the Indian subcontinent, nationalism became a central force in the resistance against colonialism, and it was closely tied to the development of liberal ideas. This…
Describe the nature of Social Reform and Hindu Renaissance in early colonial India
The period of early colonial India, spanning the late 18th and 19th centuries, was a time of profound change and transformation. The British colonial presence, coupled with the rise of Western ideas of rationalism, individualism, and human rights, catalyzed significant developments in Indian social reform movements. This era witnessed the emergence of the Hindu Renaissance,…
Write a critical essay on the distinctive features of Pre-Modern Indian Political Thought
Pre-modern Indian political thought is a rich and diverse tradition shaped by religious, philosophical, and ethical discourses rather than purely secular or institutional concerns. This body of thought, primarily shaped before the advent of colonial modernity, encapsulates the political ideas embedded in religious texts, epics, dharmashastras, and commentarial traditions that address governance, ethics, justice, and…
B.R. Ambedkar’s critique of the Caste System
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891–1956) is one of the most prominent figures in the history of Indian social and political thought. A social reformer, jurist, and the principal architect of the Indian Constitution, Ambedkar is best known for his relentless fight against the caste system and his advocacy for the rights of the Dalits (formerly known…
Critically analyse Jawaharlal Nehru’s views on Secularism
Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964), India’s first Prime Minister and a key architect of modern Indian democracy, played a crucial role in shaping India’s political and social ideology. His vision of secularism was fundamental to the creation of a pluralistic and inclusive Indian society. Nehru’s commitment to secularism was deeply influenced by his belief in democracy, tolerance,…