Mahatma Gandhi’s concept of Swaraj is central to his political thought and his vision for India’s independence. The term Swaraj, which literally means “self-rule” or “self-governance,” was not limited merely to political independence from British colonial rule. For Gandhi, Swaraj encompassed a far more profound and holistic understanding of freedom, emphasizing not only the political…
Tag: india
E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker’s Role in Dravidian Mobilisation
Erode Venkatappa Ramaswamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar, stands as one of the most influential figures in modern South Indian socio-political history. His contributions to the Dravidian movement were foundational, and his activism reshaped the contours of identity, politics, and social reform in Tamil Nadu and beyond. The Dravidian mobilisation, largely driven by a consciousness…
M.S. Golwalkar’s Vision of Negative and Positive Hindutva
M.S. Golwalkar, the second Sarsanghchalak (Chief) of the Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh (RSS), is considered one of the most influential ideologues of Hindu nationalism in post-independence India. His vision of Hindutva, developed and articulated through his writings and speeches, has played a significant role in shaping the ideological framework of Hindu nationalism in India. Golwalkar’s interpretation…
Relevance of Social Reform Movements in India
Social reform movements in India have played a pivotal role in shaping the socio-political and cultural landscape of the nation. These movements, which emerged primarily in the 19th and early 20th centuries, were crucial in addressing deep-rooted social injustices, advocating for equality, and striving to improve the conditions of marginalized communities. The significance of social…
Sri Aurobindo’s Critique of Political Moderates in India
Sri Aurobindo, one of India’s most revered spiritual leaders, freedom fighters, and intellectuals, was an outspoken critic of the moderate approach to political and national reform during the British colonial period. His critique of the political moderates, particularly in the context of the Indian National Congress (INC), was rooted in his understanding of India’s spiritual…
Major Features of Political Thought in Ancient India
The political thought of ancient India, which spanned several centuries, is a rich and complex tradition rooted in the social, cultural, and religious fabric of the time. It presents an intricate blend of philosophical ideas, practical governance, and moral principles. The major features of political thought in ancient India can be understood through a study…
Socialist Thought of Jai Prakash Narayan
Jai Prakash Narayan (1902–1979), often referred to as JP, was one of the most influential political leaders and thinkers in post-independence India. A key figure in India’s freedom struggle, Narayan was deeply committed to social justice, democracy, and human dignity. His socialist thought evolved over time, particularly in response to the political developments in India…
M.N. Roy’s Humanist Critique of Marxism
M.N. Roy (1887–1954), a prominent Indian revolutionary and political thinker, is known for his critical approach towards Marxism, particularly as it evolved in the Soviet Union and other parts of the world. A key figure in the radical nationalist and communist movements, Roy was deeply involved in the Indian independence struggle and later became a…
B.R. Ambedkar’s Idea of Social Justice and Supportive Polity
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar (1891–1956), one of India’s most prominent social reformers, thinkers, and architects of the Indian Constitution, is often regarded as a champion of social justice. His life’s work was dedicated to uplifting the oppressed, particularly the Dalits (formerly known as “Untouchables”), and promoting equality and human dignity. Ambedkar’s concept of social justice was…
Gandhi’s Views on Parliamentary Democracy
Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948), the architect of Indian independence and a towering figure of political ethics, held complex and often critical views regarding parliamentary democracy, particularly as it was practised in the West. While Gandhi acknowledged certain democratic ideals such as liberty, equality, participation, and accountability, his critique of Western-style parliamentary democracy stemmed from its materialism,…
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Ideas on Scientific Temper and His Concept of Scientific Humanism
Jawaharlal Nehru (1889–1964), the first Prime Minister of independent India, was not only a political leader but also a visionary who played a central role in shaping the ideological and intellectual foundation of modern India. One of his key contributions was his advocacy for a scientific temper and his development of the concept of scientific…
Mohammad Iqbal’s ideas on nationalism and his contribution to Muslim thought
Allama Mohammad Iqbal (1877–1938), one of the most prominent philosophers, poets, and political thinkers of the 20th century, played a critical role in shaping the intellectual landscape of the Indian subcontinent, especially in relation to Muslim identity and nationalism. Iqbal’s ideas on nationalism were deeply intertwined with his vision of Muslim political and cultural revival,…