The Secular Imaginary: Gandhi, Nehru and the Idea(s) of India

The book explores how ostensibly Western concepts and ideas, such as secularism, secularization, and secularity, can be studied in non-Western societies without assuming them as derivative, colonial legacies, or contrast cases of Western societies. It focuses on the intellectual history of secularity in modern India, shedding light on Indian narratives of secularity such as the Gandhian sarva dharma samabhava, Nehruvian secularism, and unity in diversity.

Format: Hardback
Length: 300 pages
Publication date: 10 November 2022
Publisher: Cambridge University Press

The rise of the Hindu-Right in India's electoral politics has brought attention to the study of ostensibly Western concepts and ideas, such as secularism and its related terms, in non-Western societies. However, it is crucial to approach these concepts without assuming them as derivative, colonial legacies, or mere contrast cases of Western societies. Recognizing the complexities of translating the dominant language of political modernity from Western to non-Western contexts, The Secular Imaginary offers an insightful intellectual history of secularity in modern India. By focusing on the two most influential political leaders, M.K. Gandhi and Jawaharlal Nehru, the book delves into the intricate narratives of secularity that have shaped India's political landscape. It explores the Gandhian concept of sarva dharma samabhava, Nehruvian secularism, and unity in diversity, revisiting the dominant narrative of secularity that influenced and shaped the imagination of the modern nation-state during the twentieth century. Through a comprehensive analysis of historical events, cultural expressions, and intellectual debates, The Secular Imaginary provides a nuanced understanding of secularism in India and its implications for contemporary society. By examining the complexities and nuances of secularism in non-Western contexts, the book offers valuable insights into the broader global discourse on secularism and its role in shaping societies.

Weight: 490g
Dimension: 236 x 160 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781009180290