MPSE-004

SOCIAL AND POLITICAL THOUGHT IN MODERN INDIA

Rabindranath Tagore’s critique of nationalism

Introduction Rabindranath Tagore, the Nobel Laureate poet, philosopher, and cultural reformer, held a complex and critical view of nationalism. Unlike many of his contemporaries who embraced nationalism as a unifying force against colonial rule, Tagore saw it as potentially divisive and dehumanizing. He believed that nationalism, particularly in its aggressive or Western form, prioritized the […]

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M.N. Roy’s Radical Humanism

Introduction M.N. Roy (Manabendra Nath Roy), a revolutionary, political theorist, and philosopher, made significant contributions to modern Indian political thought through his doctrine of Radical Humanism. Originally a Marxist and founder of the Communist Party of India, Roy later grew disillusioned with orthodox communism and developed a new ideological framework centered around individual freedom, rationality,

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Jawaharlal Nehru’s Scientific Humanism

Introduction Jawaharlal Nehru’s concept of scientific humanism formed a central pillar of his worldview and governance strategy. As an architect of modern India, Nehru combined humanist values with a scientific approach to build a progressive, secular, and democratic nation. Scientific humanism, in Nehru’s thought, was about applying rationality, evidence-based reasoning, and technological progress to improve

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Philosophical Foundations of Gandhi’s political perspective

Introduction Mahatma Gandhi’s political philosophy was deeply rooted in ethics, spirituality, and the Indian cultural tradition. Unlike Western political ideologies that often separated politics from morality, Gandhi saw no such division. His political activism was a reflection of his spiritual and philosophical beliefs. Concepts like truth (Satya), non-violence (Ahimsa), self-rule (Swaraj), and self-discipline formed the

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E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker on Dravidian Mobilisation

Introduction E.V. Ramaswamy Naicker, popularly known as Periyar, was a pioneering social reformer, rationalist, and political activist from Tamil Nadu. He played a crucial role in mobilizing the Dravidian identity as a counter to Brahminical dominance, caste oppression, and North Indian political hegemony. Through the Self-Respect Movement and the Dravidar Kazhagam (DK), Periyar championed the

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Sir Syed Ahmed Khan on Hindu–Muslim unity

Introduction Sir Syed Ahmed Khan (1817–1898) was a prominent reformer, educator, and thinker in colonial India. Best known for founding the Aligarh Muslim University, he played a pivotal role in modernizing the Muslim community through education and social reform. While he is often remembered for his efforts to promote Muslim advancement, Sir Syed also made

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Jawaharlal Nehru’s vision of secularism

Introduction Jawaharlal Nehru, India’s first Prime Minister, was a staunch advocate of secularism. His vision of a secular India was deeply influenced by modern liberal democratic values, scientific rationalism, and the pluralistic nature of Indian society. Nehru saw secularism as an essential foundation for the unity and integrity of India, a country marked by vast

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Role of Muslims in anti-imperialist movement in Colonial India

Introduction Muslims played a vital and multifaceted role in the anti-imperialist movement in colonial India. While the nationalist movement has often been portrayed through dominant Hindu or secular leadership, it is important to acknowledge the significant contributions of Muslim leaders, organizations, and common people to the struggle against British colonialism. From the Revolt of 1857

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Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia’s socialist thought

Introduction Dr. Ram Manohar Lohia was a visionary thinker, freedom fighter, and one of India’s foremost socialist leaders. Known for his intellectual depth and commitment to social justice, Lohia developed a unique brand of socialism rooted in Indian realities. He combined Marxist ideas with Gandhian principles and sought to create an egalitarian, non-violent, and culturally

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Swami Vivekananda on Nationalism

Introduction Swami Vivekananda, one of the most influential spiritual leaders of modern India, played a vital role in shaping Indian nationalism. While he is often celebrated for introducing Indian philosophy to the West, his ideas on nationalism were equally transformative. For Vivekananda, nationalism was not merely a political or territorial aspiration—it was a spiritual awakening,

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