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…
Tag: politics
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…
International terrorism
International terrorism refers to terrorist activities that transcend national borders and involve non-state actors or groups engaging in acts of violence with global implications. These acts are typically aimed at achieving political, ideological, or religious goals and can target civilian populations, infrastructure, or governments. International terrorism is distinct in that it involves cross-border coordination, global…
Pokhran-II
Pokhran-II refers to a series of nuclear tests conducted by India in May 1998 at the Pokhran Test Range in the Thar Desert of Rajasthan. These tests were a follow-up to India’s first nuclear test, Smiling Buddha, which was carried out in 1974. Pokhran-II was a significant milestone in India’s nuclear capabilities, as it demonstrated…
Briefly explain the growing influence of the PMO in foreign policy-making.
The role of the Prime Minister’s Office (PMO) in India has evolved significantly over the years, especially in the domain of foreign policy-making. Traditionally, foreign policy in India was managed by the Ministry of External Affairs (MEA), but over time, the PMO has gained substantial influence in shaping the country’s international relations. This shift has…
Discuss the role of political parties in the making of foreign policy.
In a democratic setup like India, foreign policy is not the exclusive domain of the ruling party or the executive; it involves multiple stakeholders, including political parties. The role of political parties in shaping and influencing India’s foreign policy has evolved, especially in the context of the country’s democratic framework, where electoral processes and political…
Explain the changing dimension of US and European Union relations in the post-Cold War era.
The post-Cold War era, which began in the early 1990s with the dissolution of the Soviet Union, has significantly altered the dynamics of international relations. This transformation is particularly visible in the relationship between the United States and the European Union (EU). While the Cold War period defined much of their interaction—focused primarily on mutual…
Emerging trends in India-China relations
India-China relations have witnessed significant transformation over the past few decades. The two countries, once adversaries, have evolved into complex partners, both in economic and geopolitical dimensions, albeit with continuing challenges. Conclusion: Emerging trends in India-China relations reflect a balance of competition and cooperation. Economic interdependence continues to grow, yet geopolitical and strategic differences, especially…