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,…
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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,…
Savarkar’s views on nation and the state
Vinayak Damodar Savarkar (1883–1966), a prominent figure in the Indian freedom struggle, was a radical nationalist whose ideas on the nation and the state have had a profound influence on the political discourse of modern India. Savarkar is best known for his contributions to the development of Hindu nationalism, as well as his controversial views…
Religio-Political ideas of Dayanand Saraswati
Dayanand Saraswati (1824–1883) was one of the most influential figures in the religious and socio-political landscape of 19th-century India. As the founder of the Arya Samaj, Dayanand made significant contributions to religious reform and played a crucial role in the revival of Hinduism, challenging the orthodoxy that had taken hold of the religion during the…
Differences between the Moderates and the Extremists in the National Movement
The Indian National Movement, which sought to achieve independence from British colonial rule, saw a division in the strategies and methods adopted by different groups within the Indian National Congress (INC). The two major factions that emerged were the Moderates and the Extremists. These two groups differed significantly in their approach towards achieving independence, their…
Explain the role of political leadership in reforming Indian society
Political leadership has always been an essential driver in any nation’s social transformation, and in India, the role of political leadership in reforming society has been particularly significant. The Indian society, characterized by a rigid caste system, gender inequality, and widespread illiteracy, required visionary leadership to address these deep-rooted social issues. The political leaders of…
Socialist thought of Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia
Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia (1910–1967) was a prominent Indian freedom fighter, socialist thinker, and political leader who made significant contributions to Indian political thought and socialist ideology. Lohia’s socialism was rooted in the unique socio-political conditions of India, and it aimed at addressing the social, economic, and cultural disparities prevalent in the country. His socialism…
The salient features of B.R. Ambedkar’s ideological orientation
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956), one of the most influential social reformers, jurists, and thinkers in modern India, is best known for his central role in drafting the Indian Constitution and his relentless struggle against caste-based discrimination. Ambedkar’s ideological orientation was a complex amalgamation of various intellectual, political, and social influences. His thoughts revolved around…
Jawaharlal Nehru’s views on parliamentary democracy
Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister (1947–1964), was a central figure in the country’s political development and a significant architect of the Indian democratic system. Nehru’s vision of parliamentary democracy was grounded in his democratic ideals, commitment to social justice, and belief in the necessity of rational governance. Nehru’s views on parliamentary democracy were shaped…
Mahatma Gandhi’s understanding of the relationship between religion and politics
Mahatma Gandhi (1869–1948), one of the foremost leaders in the Indian struggle for independence, had a profound and nuanced understanding of the relationship between religion and politics. For Gandhi, the two were inextricably linked, not in a conventional or institutionalized sense, but in a more personal, spiritual, and ethical manner. His philosophy combined elements of…
Sri Aurobindo’s critique of political moderates in India
Sri Aurobindo (1872–1950) was a prominent Indian nationalist, philosopher, poet, and spiritual leader who played a pivotal role in the early 20th century’s Indian independence movement. Aurobindo’s critique of political moderates in India, particularly those aligned with the Indian National Congress (INC) and their approach to achieving self-rule under British colonialism, was deeply influential and…