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…
Tag: political-science
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…
Jyotiba Phule’s ideas on social revolution
Jyotirao Govindrao Phule (1827–1890), widely known as Jyotiba Phule, was a pioneering Indian social reformer, thinker, and activist who laid the foundation for social revolution in 19th-century colonial India. He emerged as one of the earliest critics of the caste system and Brahminical orthodoxy. His efforts were directed not merely toward political emancipation but, more…
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan’s views on Hindu-Muslim unity
Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (1817–1898) was a renowned scholar, social reformer, and educator during the British colonial period in India. He is best known for his efforts to modernize Muslim society and promote education, but his views on Hindu-Muslim unity and inter-community relations are also significant. His thoughts on this subject were deeply influenced by…
Examine religious and political ideas of Swami Dayanand Saraswati.
Swami Dayanand Saraswati (1824–1883), a prominent social and religious reformer in 19th-century India, was a pioneering figure in the intellectual landscape of the time. His religious and political ideas were a response to the socio-political challenges posed by British colonialism and the prevailing social and religious practices in Indian society. Dayanand Saraswati’s thoughts were deeply…
Describe the intellectual features of social reformers in the early phase of British colonial rule.
The early phase of British colonial rule in India, particularly during the 19th century, saw a significant transformation in Indian intellectual thought. This period witnessed the emergence of a number of social reformers who sought to address the social, religious, and political issues caused by colonialism, traditional customs, and religious orthodoxy. These reformers played a…
Discuss the relationship between religion and politics in pre-modern Indian political thought.
The relationship between religion and politics in pre-modern Indian political thought is complex, shaped by diverse philosophical traditions, religious practices, and political systems that existed throughout Indian history. In ancient and medieval Indian society, religion was often intricately woven into the fabric of politics, governance, and social structure. It influenced the authority of rulers, the…
Democracy in India: A Comprehensive Overview
Introduction Democracy is widely regarded as one of the most significant political developments in human history. It empowers people to choose their representatives, express their opinions, and participate in governance. India, the world’s largest democracy, offers a unique and vibrant example of democratic practice in a diverse and complex society. With over 900 million eligible…
B.R. Ambedkar’s Views on Social and Economic Democracy
Dr. Bhimrao Ramji Ambedkar (1891–1956) was one of India’s most significant social reformers, a champion of social justice, and a key architect of the Indian Constitution. His views on social and economic democracy were revolutionary for his time and continue to influence contemporary discourse on caste, equality, and social justice in India. Ambedkar’s vision of…
Tagore’s Ideas on Nationalism
Rabindranath Tagore (1861–1941) was one of India’s most renowned literary figures, celebrated for his poetry, music, and philosophical reflections. A strong critic of the Western colonial order and its impact on India, Tagore’s thoughts on nationalism were multifaceted and evolved over time. He is often remembered for his opposition to the narrow and exclusionary forms…
Jawaharlal Nehru’s Vision of Socialism
Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister (1947–1964), was a towering figure in the Indian national movement and post-independence political landscape. Deeply influenced by Western liberalism, Fabian socialism, and Soviet economic planning, Nehru envisioned socialism not merely as an economic system but as a comprehensive framework for modernizing India, ensuring equality, and eliminating poverty. His vision…
Socialist Thought of Jayaprakash Narayan
Jayaprakash Narayan (1902–1979), widely known as JP, was a prominent Indian independence leader and social reformer who became an influential voice in the post-independence period. His socialist thought, deeply shaped by his personal experiences and ideological evolution, focused on the themes of democracy, social justice, and grassroots empowerment. JP’s vision of socialism diverged from the…