Concept and Evolution of "Nation" and "Nationalism"

The term "nation" has evolved from its early meanings associated with birth, origin, and ethnic community to denote a political society of citizens within a defined territory. This shift was influenced by John Locke's political theory, aligning closely with the Indian term rashtra.

Significant Historical Developments

• The Treaty of Westphalia (1648) emphasized sovereignty in international relations.
• The League of Nations (1920) contributed to a universal understanding of "nation".
• Nationalism became a dominant political philosophy globally in the 1920s.

Nationalism in India

Indian Freedom Movement

The Indian freedom struggle evolved into a national movement, influenced by global events like the American War of Independence and the French Revolution. Mahatma Gandhi and others envisioned India as a federation of diverse linguistic communities, emphasizing freedom as integral to nationalism.

Hindutva Nationalism

• V D Savarkar's Essentials of Hindutva (1923) defined Hindutva nationalism, incorporating ideas of pitrubhumi (fatherland) and punyabhumi (sacred geography).
• It drew inspiration from European unification movements, focusing on a historical narrative of "original" versus "subsequent" citizens.
• Critics argue its historical claims are based more on propaganda than evidence.

Differences Between Constitutional and Hindutva Nationalism

Core Ideological Divergence

The primary variance between the two lies in the conception of citizenship and historical narrative:

• Constitutional nationalism promotes equality among all citizens, regardless of their cultural geography.
• Hindutva nationalism posits a hierarchical view of citizenship, suspecting those whose punyabhumi is outside India.

Historical Perspectives

• Hindutva views medieval India as a period of decline, contradicting historical evidence of the era's cultural movements like the Bhakti Movement.
• The Bhakti Movement, challenging social inequalities, inspired leaders such as Tagore and Gandhi.

Myths and Utopias in Nationalist Narratives

Both forms of nationalism in India construct their own narratives:

• Constitutional nationalism: Acknowledges a culturally diverse past, addressing issues like caste and gender discrimination.
• Hindutva nationalism: Envisions a utopian past as a vishwaguru, seeking retribution for perceived historical injustices.

Future Prospects

The reconciliation between these narratives remains uncertain, with the potential for India's secure future lying in transcending traditional nationalism.