India's First Diplomat: V.S. Srinivasa Sastri and the Making of Liberal Internationalism

V.S. Srinivasa Sastri was a celebrated Indian politician and diplomat in the early twentieth century, known for his advocacy for racial equality and securing the rights of Indians both at home and abroad. This book rehabilitates Sastri and offers a diplomatic biography of his years as Indias roving ambassador in the 1920s, examining his involvement in key conferences and agreements and the darker side of being a native diplomat. It shows that liberal internationalism is not the preserve of western powers but a commitment to social progress fought at multiple sites and by many protagonists.

Format: Hardback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 15 June 2021
Publisher: Bristol University Press

V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, a celebrated Indian politician and diplomat of the early twentieth century, has largely faded from public memory. This book aims to rehabilitate Sastri and present a diplomatic biography of his remarkable tenure as India's roving ambassador in the 1920s. Through an in-depth examination of his involvement in pivotal conferences and agreements, as well as his unwavering advocacy for racial equality and the protection of Indian rights both domestically and internationally, the book seeks to shed light on Sastri's legacy. It also delves into the darker aspects of being a native diplomat, encompassing the risks of legitimizing colonial projects and the inherent contradictions of being treated as equals on the global stage while facing inequality at home. By reclaiming Sastri's legacy, the book demonstrates that liberal internationalism is not solely the domain of Western powers and actors but a commitment to social progress pursued by diverse protagonists across various contexts.

V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, a celebrated Indian politician and diplomat of the early twentieth century, has largely faded from public memory. This book aims to rehabilitate Sastri and present a diplomatic biography of his remarkable tenure as India's roving ambassador in the 1920s. Through an in-depth examination of his involvement in pivotal conferences and agreements, as well as his unwavering advocacy for racial equality and the protection of Indian rights both domestically and internationally, the book seeks to shed light on Sastri's legacy. It also delves into the darker aspects of being a native diplomat, encompassing the risks of legitimizing colonial projects and the inherent contradictions of being treated as equals on the global stage while facing inequality at home. By reclaiming Sastri's legacy, the book demonstrates that liberal internationalism is not solely the domain of Western powers and actors but a commitment to social progress pursued by diverse protagonists across various contexts.

Weight: 612g
Dimension: 162 x 242 x 26 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781529217667