INTRODUCTION
Nationalism implies one's allegiance and devotion to his country. The
person thinks his nation is superior and no match exists for them. He
focuses on the advancement of his nation's culture and interests. A person
with a sense of nationalism in his heart is against another nation's culture,
since he thinks that no country can shadow his nation that leads in the war
between two nations. This feeling can be harmful to the country, because for
this feeling the country will lose its respect and integrity.
Nation is a state but nationalism is a belief system that can only advance the
character of one's own against others. Thus, nationalism is not clarified by
speculation of nation building. Various theories that support the realist
approach do not take into account the internal structure of the ideology,
similar to the Gellner paradigm, in which nationalism tends to emerge due
to socio-ethnic strife. This argument is often overlooked by theories of
nationalism being taken as a fare element from the West Inversely;
nationalism persists in socio-social transition when it comes to speculation.
The intellectual elite, which tries to combat the danger posed by some
overwhelming Other – who sometimes intrigues them from the West – in
the end create a patriotic mind, as it is not prepared to in any case imitate the
West by consolidating into it valuable elements of the West through the
creation of an intellectual elite that tries to reinstall the West.
This approach is paralleled by ethnicity theories which are not primordial’s,
but which concentrate primarily on the formation of group boundaries.
Barth is unmistakable in its connection with the other and in contrast to the
help of group boundaries the small significance of social substance is
actually taking the form of ethnic characters, which means more affinities
are formed between his ethnic hypothesis and speculations of nationalism
than between the country's latter ones and hypothetic.
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An embodied model of nationalism can be developed in any case by
arranging distinctive speculations. While the approach of philosophy
begins, the formation of patriotism implies the rise of financial collisions
and the massification of nationalism, the process of building up the country.
REVIEW OF LITERATURE
NATIONALISM IN INDIA
The Indian Movement is considered the worlds most influential and
significant colonial power movement. The British Government's policies
contributed to the growth of nationalism among the country's population.
The nationalist movement demonstrated people's solidarity as citizens of
diverse castes, sects, and regions with a sense of nationalism to put a stop to
British rule. The Movement of Nationalism in India was the result of
various factors and the British Colonization was the most important.
Every country's dominance over India enabled people collectively to think
and function as one nation. The Indians were split up and isolated from the
others before the British arrived. In uniting the land, the British colonization
helped. It helped people to develop the sense of nationalism and to reflect
on the country in theory to free themselves from the British. When they
oppressed the land, the seed of nationalism was planted by the British.
The nationalist movement of Indians inspired India's educated class, which
took on democratic and nationalist ideas. Leaders such as S.N dominated the
nationalist movement in India.
ORIGIN OF NATIONALISM
Europe was the continent that first saw the emergence of nationalism. The
feeling of nationalism was established in Europe during the Renaissance, to
free people from the religious restrictions that hindered their natural
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identity. The transition from the monarch's hands into the French citizens,
who were to try to form a new nation and democratic form of government,
resulted in a change in political schemes.Now, in the 19th century following
the 1857 revolt, we'll see the rise of nationalism in India, how it developed
in India, how it grew and how its people moved toward the Nationalist
Indian Movement.
RISE OF NATIONALISM IN INDIA
India lost its identity and wanted to regain it during the British rule. The
development of national identity at that time was important to India. The
idea of nationalism was developed in the 19th century in order to gain
national identity and national consciousness. This increase contributed to
the Indian anti-colonial movement. People started to realize the importance
of being free of British men and ending their war against colonialism. The
consequences of expansionism have been unforeseen at any class and
meeting. Their meetings were fluctuated and their thought about
independence was not generally similar.In addition, many different factors
have allowed nationalism to grow and evolve. A British Government law
structure in a variety of fields contributed to political and administrative
stability. This reinforced the idea that Indians are people and a nation. Thus,
when their lands and rights to work were stripped away, the compassions
and the tribes revolted. In the same way, this British financial abuse upsets
other persons and responds to regulation of their lives and properties by the
United Kingdom Government. Nationalism was also applied to the social
and religious transition of the 19th century.
Nationalism's growth mainly led to the production and promotion of the
nationalist Indian movement. The growth on nationalism in India led to
independence. There were more reasons.
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The press and the literature influenced people throughout the British period
to make them feel nationalistic. The Indian press has encouraged the public
to feel national consciousness. Many people were influenced by this article.
The paper contributed to the education class' conception of national unity
and to its hope of ending the British period. Such literatures have given
every person the feeling of patriotism. After the national feeling awakened
in the population, many national movements were led.
The public was influenced not only by the press and the literature but also
by Western education. The minds of the people were profoundly influenced
by Western education. It rationalized people's thoughts intellectually.
Western education made the people aware of the works of great writers like
Thomas Paine, Locke, etc., who inspired people to be free and helped the
people to be free and to create a democracy. It helped them express
nationalist ideas on a wider scale and develop strategies to liberate
themselves from the British.
CULTURAL NATIONALISM IN INDIA
The concept of nationalism is connected to the concept of sovereignty, and
is thus related to the self-determination theory. In the 19th century, John
Stuart Mill said that the national movement emerges because of the need for
statesmanship and relies primarily on language, culture and ethnicity. The
period of the colonization with the notion of shared language, culture, etc.
was seen in the 19th Century. The western countries used the concept of
nationalism to create a united country, a united community. Since the last
century, nationalism has played two parts.Nationalist movements started to
decolonize the Asian, African and Latin American states. In the highest
level, nationalism was sought out to be anti-colonial in order to create a new
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state and to end colonial rule, but it was considered a form of cultural
consciousness at the lower level.1
The nationalism in the underdeveloped countries was caused by the colonial
system and it is important to note that the late-registered past, however,
most pluralist countries on the Asian, African and Latin American
continents under the colonies play a key role.Colonial power played a vital
role in having or encouraging citizens, which ensured control through the
use of division and law, while the State creation process disregarded and,
indeed, even tested the multi-culturalist system to create a singular
individual, during the process of independence (from colonial power). The
colonizers defined boundaries which had nothing to do with the social
boundaries of the communities.
THE IDEA OF NATIONALISM
Nationalism is an investigation necessary today in order to break through
international governance, but one needs to look at the reality of a country in
order to grasp the concept of nationalism. The idea of a government can be
seen in the Westphalian Peace in 1648. One must note that even before the
agreement was reached; all the European continent was re-imagined with
political limitations. The idea of dominance was presented after the
arrangement when Protestantism was formally perceived as an alternative
religion to Catholicism.Therefore, a 'nation' in many circumstances is a
collection of individuals who can be comprised in order to decide
themselves.' In memory of this specific country thought nationalism can be
defined either as dedication or as an arrangement of national autonomy
(political or passionate) to a government. In this respect, for the creation of a
national identity a country or the possibility of country must all exist
together.
1
Rodrigues V (2004) Debates on Indian nationalism. In: Essential writings of
Ambedkar. V. Rodrigues (ed.) Oxford University Press
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Anderson's views on a nation that is a 'imagined political party' may also be
used for greater effect. That is because when a nation is known as a creative
nation, the very components required to exist may be a fallacy. Regardless
of whether a group is not part of a traditional dialect, religion or race, a
nation has a clear formal character.
From the viewpoint of anthropology, Max Weber speaks of ethnic groups
colored by convictions of fundamental drops. He says that a certain country
depends on community living has a sense of partiality. It is important to
investigate Michael Hechters theory of nationalism in order to connect the
possibility of community life with the thought of state organization and
nationalism. As he pointed out, nationalism is some political exercises
whose aim is to create political limits in a country that is socially
unmistakable and collectively seeks autonomy2. It is equally important to
consider group and ethnic relations between countries in the sense of
nationalism. As Stephan Shulman suggested, Western and Eastern European
countries had been the most significant differentiation, the former one’s
being established as group nations and the last being ethnic nations. While
ethnic countries can be represented by an extension of the connection to the
envisaged country community, previously the normally shared political
esteem and allegiance of a sovereign territory can be distinguished by 3. In
his book, well-known Czech scholar Hans Kohn argued that nationalism in
the West is essentially political in nations such as France and England. He
spoke aboutcountry’s and democratic ideology motivated by the notion of
equality and justice. Western nationalism questioned the administration of
dynastic and contrasted citizenship with country enrolment. Under this
Hechter M (1999) Internal Colonialism. Oxford University Press
2
3
Roshwald A Kinship Community: Ethnic and civic conceptions of nationhood.
Georgetown University, Washington DC.
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model, therefore, the state goes mostly before the country was formed and
promoted4.
THE IDEA NATIONALISM IN TODAY’s INDIA
It is purely natural to feel love and pride in one's country. It is rooted in
virtually every human being worldwide. Narrow and broad definitions may
describe the meaning of nationalism. However, generally speaking, the
sense of nationalism calls for peace, the goodness of the country and of its
people, peace in diversity and reverence, the love and pride of its citizens
for the country. In order to understand nationalism – a profound affection
for one's country – the importance of the nation must be recognized.
In several respects, the word 'nationalism' was understood and described. It
was described as "a mentality in which a person's supreme allegiance is a
product of a nation state."5As such, it means that the State or country is
known to the people. Here, people are characterized by a homogeneous
community, live in close association or territory, share the values of a
shared destiny, etc. "The importance of nationalism has its different
connotations if we analyze the case of free versus subject men" says JC
Johari in his book "Indian politics" (Fifth Edition 1996, page 25). In the new
period following the collapse and dissolution of the Papacy, the nationalism
of the free peoples emerged, while the nation states of Europe took it upon
themselves as reaction to the colonial structure of the developed European
countries.
In the Indian freedom war against the colonial position of the British, Indian
nationalism has emerged as a term. Indian nationalism, given its different
racial and religious origins, is an instance of territorial nationalism.
Nationalism is an anti-colonial nationalism in the Indian sense. When the
4
Kohn H (1961) the idea of nationalism. Cambridge University Press.
5
Tara Chand: History of the Freedom Movement in India, Vol ii, page 552
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Indian National Congress was established and new hopes and expectations
for independent India were brought into being by the national movement of
India in 1880. As such, in India nationalism implies a growing political
conscience or patriotism in order to achieve self-determination.Nationalism
can be described in India as a increasing and rising anti-colonial sentiment,
from a movement for fair reforms of the constitution to the fight for
independence.
In the meantime, the concept is being redefined to achieve political purposes
if we consider recently the debates on nationalism. For voting purposes, the
definition of nationalism is used. There are also misunderstandings and
nationalism propaganda.
In general, with irrational blame and the spread of hate among the people
the idea of nationalism becomes negative. Nationalism is not a single
thought or concept that could be defined, but it goes beyond all that in the
name of faith, caste or the society of people.Similarly, it is not possible to
qualify as an anti-nationalist merelybecause they have different political
opinions or an ideology at a certain time that other citizens in the country do
not pursue. If a person criticizes the government's work style or criticizes
the government's policies, he is not anti-nationalist. It is worthwhile only
because they do not adopt a common view or ideology to call someone anti-
nationalist. A strong measure of love for and development of the nation is
critical of the problems in the country.
The debate between nationalism and anti-nationalism in India is now
gathering momentum. Yet most opinions are skewed through
misunderstanding and half-truths as a political advantage. We have to show
our love and respect for the country, but we should not take the law into our
hands and become violent. The nation never wishes to reflect on its people
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with violence, hate and terror. We should then speak up for domestic
integration.
SECULAR FORM OF NATIONALISM
Supporters of the secularistic nationalist view in India argued that there
should be no prejudice or damage in the multitude of religious and ethnic
groups calling Country a home. The variant of secularism in India differs
greatly, however, from the dominant Western concepts which impose strict
division between church and state in order to promote citizens' peace and
equal rights for all people. As political theorist Rajeev Bhargava argued,
Western secularism does not characterize the entirety of secular ideology in
the world. The principle of strict separation between churches and states is
also, in fact, a potential manifestation of secularism 6.The form of secularity
chosen by India's constitutional framers forgets a strict division but imposes
a "distance" between religion and the state.
The Constitution of India has many classically secular characteristics.
On one hand, the Indian Constitution allows people to have religious
freedom and forbids strict discrimination on the grounds of faith, caste, age,
birthplace and other factors. Every person, irrespective of religion or place
in life, is also granted universal vote in the Constitution of the country
which, in most democracies (including the United States), departs from
traditions, which only gradually expand the franchise to women, minority
groups and the lesser classes.
Nevertheless, there are sufficient reasons for the Indian Constitution also to
deal with religious affairs. Within the constitution, for example, the rights of
individuals as well as of the Society and religious minorities are
acknowledged. Under the statute, the State undertakes to support religious
6
Rajeev Bhargava, “What Is Indian Secularism and What Is It For?,” India Review, 1, no. 1
(January 2002):2
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groups in educational institutions. Therefore, the state can not only
legitimately intervene with the religious affairs of the country, but also
without the restrictions of neutrality.As Bhargava points out, the "principled
distance" commitment is not the same as "fair distance"; in other words,
without actually taking steps to deal with certain illiberal practices in Islam
or in Christianity, the state can take measures to resolve illiberal social
aspects of one religion (for example the caste system of Hinduism).7
Homegrown critics of Indian secularism question its interventionist
qualities, particularly as both in the constitution and in subsequent law the
primary objective of social reform was Hinduism. Such critics question for
example, why both Muslims and Christians were allowed to observe their
own personal laws when the State pursued reforms of the Hindu civil code
in the near future.
HINDUTVA AND NATIONALISM
Indian democracy's Hindu nationalist dream is significantly different from
its secular counterpart. The idea begins that secular nationalism is fake
international intrusion, carried out during independence by elites affiliated
with the Congress Party, which obscures the real Hindu identity and related
cultural sensibilities of India8.
Hindu nationalists are, to be honest, far from being monolithic. The
practical implications of Hindu nationalist philosophy are widely discussed.
There are at least 4 distinct schools of thought according to political
scientist Kanchan Chandra9.The spectrum's modest end is those who believe
that Hinduism will basically take the first position on equal terms as it is the
7
Rajeev Bhargava, “What Is Indian Secularism and What Is It For?,” 14.
8
Thomas Blom Hansen, Fe Saffron Wave: Democracy and Hindu Nationalism in India
(Princeton: Princeton University Press, 1999): 11
9
Kanchan Chandra, “The Triumph of Hindu Majoritarianism,” Foreign Affairs, November
23, 2018, https://www.foreignaffairs.com/articles/india/2018-11-23/triumph-hindu-
majoritarianism.
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biggest and the oldest of India's religious communities. From this
perspective in India, Hinduism is like Christianity in the United States: it
must not be actually officially recognized, but cultural supremacy is given
(as are generally recognized and observed Christian holidays in the United
States, but not those associated with other religious traditions).
Although this version violates the liberal principles of Nehruvianism to
preserve a principal distance from any faith, it is more appropriate than the
second variety of Hindu majority rule. This approach would give Hindus
legal superiority and would effectively make second-class citizens from
non-Hindus. While non-Hindus still have access to all protections found in
the Indian Constitution, they have to agree that Hindus will receive
preferential treatment from the state.
The functional outcome of these four formulations goes from a culturally
pro-Hindu to an exclusively theocratic level. Nonetheless, what is common
to all of them is the belief that India is essentially a Hindu rashtra. The
region, they claim, is widely known as modern India, is inextricably linked
to an ancient Hindu religious and cultural tradition which deserves pride
over all other traditions that exist within the present borders of India. Some
scholars argued that the fusion of faith and culture is intentional: according
to most expositions of the Hindu nationalist philosophy, the two cannot be
separated. This is contrary to the secular view, which considers faith and
culture as distinct concepts.10
DISCUSSION
Nationalism in the pantheon of social sciences should have existed under the
untested theory. Yet people today have different opinions on nationalism.
Many consider this to be a bane, others consider it to be a blessing to
society. They think that it would ruin the world as all countries seek to fight
10
Varshney, “Contested Meanings,” 240
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to achieve dominance over other nations. Every nation wants its political,
cultural, and so forth power to increase. The nationalists believe their
country is better than others.Countries that lack the power and resources to
become powerful and their people are not sufficiently nationalist to
reinforce their country. The seeds of hyper nationalism are scaring these
nations. It is very easy to serve people from one situation to the other
according to the demand of the country. The nationalist movements are a
product of a shared set of standards.
Anti-Nationalists are the people who feel that nationalism is not good for
the country. Some anti-nationalists are opposed by the term rivalry and
dispute a wide spectrum of patriotism among oppressed minority groups,
including ethnic patriotism. This inclination to counter-patriotism generally
calls for national limits to be set. A minor deviation from this topic is often
found in the Marxist hypothesis. Marx and Engels generally rejected
patriotism by saying, "Workers have no land."More late in day, other
gatherings that have fallen apart from the Maoist tradition of Marxism have
gone uniquely towards Trotskyites against this savagely anti-patriot stance,
arguing that while it may well be a difficult and unpleasant stance to be
understood, the last restriction on any patriotism strengthens popular
internationalism. Numerous Trotskyites opposed imperialism while
retaining support for what they saw as complex national wars, including, for
example, Chris Harman.
CONCLUSION
One may argue that there is a few downsides in the Indian nationalist
movement, however, that it has also brought autonomy to India is also valid.
The penances of the Indian pioneers are inevitable to make this progress
successful and efficient. Some of the leaders have laid down their lives and
other leaders have spent their life in exile and in jail in India to be freed and
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free to live. The citizens are differently aware of the word nationalism, some
agree that it is beneficial for society; others think it is detrimental to society.
The Founding Fathers of contemporary India had explored the concept of
nationalism as exclusionary, and adapted it to Indian society's local socio-
politic framework to reflect its diversity and mitigate potential ethnic
conflicts in the region. But if the state fails in general and does not maintain
a balance between different policies or generated differences, nationalism
may be abused and enforced against parts of society.
Also the in the first half of the twentieth century, an growing outrage
towards the colonial government brought together various Indian groups and
classes in a common struggle for independence. In India nationalism was a
modem movement which was based on the belief that India was a country
and that freedom from colonial rule was the birthright of its citizens, which
conferred on the country would allow it to occupy an equal standing with
other members of the nation's family. The nationalists have attempted to
create a national unity through movements.However, as we have seen,
different individuals and organizations with varying goals and ambitions
engaged in these movements. Since their grievances were large, freedom
from colonial rule often meant various things for different individuals. The
Congress actively worked to overcome conflicts and ensure that one group's
demands did not alienate the other. That is why the unity of the party also
collapsed. Epochs of disunity and internal strife between parties
accompanied the high points of Political engagement and nationalist unity.
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