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: Paperback / softback
Length: 308 pages
Publication date: 13 June 2023
Publisher: Bristol University Press

In the early 20th century, V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, a renowned Indian politician and diplomat, emerged as a prominent figure. Despite being celebrated as the "very voice of international conscience," he has gradually faded from public memory. This book aims to rehabilitate Sastri and present a diplomatic biography of his remarkable years as India's roving ambassador in the 1920s. Through meticulous examination, it delves into his involvement in pivotal conferences and agreements, highlighting his achievements in advocating for racial equality and securing the rights of Indians both within and outside their homeland. Additionally, the book sheds light on 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 rather a commitment to social progress pursued by diverse protagonists across various locations.

In the early 20th century, V.S. Srinivasa Sastri, a renowned Indian politician and diplomat, emerged as a prominent figure. Despite being celebrated as the "very voice of international conscience," he has gradually faded from public memory. This book aims to rehabilitate Sastri and present a diplomatic biography of his remarkable years as India's roving ambassador in the 1920s. Through meticulous examination, it delves into his involvement in pivotal conferences and agreements, highlighting his achievements in advocating for racial equality and securing the rights of Indians both within and outside their homeland. Additionally, the book sheds light on 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 rather a commitment to social progress pursued by diverse protagonists across various locations.

ISBN-13: 9781529217674