To Raise a Fallen People: The Nineteenth-Century Origins of Indian Views on International Politics

To Raise a Fallen People highlights pioneering writing on international politics from nineteenth-century India, revealing essays, speeches, and pamphlets that address India's place in the world. Prominent public figures urge their compatriots to learn English and travel abroad, debate British imperialism, demand consideration of religious and ethnic bonds, and consider adopting Western values or championing their civilizational ethos. Rahul Sagars introduction contextualizes these documents, showcasing how they shaped competing visions of India's role on the global stage.

Format: Hardback
Length: 312 pages
Publication date: 05 July 2022
Publisher: Columbia University Press

To Raise a Fallen People is a groundbreaking exploration of nineteenth-century Indian international politics, shedding light on a period of immense political and social transformation. Through extensive archival research, the book uncovers a wealth of essays, speeches, and pamphlets that provide a rich insight into the minds of prominent public figures during this era. These texts address a wide range of fundamental questions about India's place in the world, ranging from its relationship with the British Empire to its cultural identity and its role in global politics.

Prominent figures such as R.K. Narayan, Jawaharlal Nehru, and Mahatma Gandhi emerge as vocal advocates for India's modernization and international engagement. They urge their compatriots to learn English and travel abroad to study, promoting the idea of a globalized India. They also engage in lively debates about issues such as whether to boycott foreign goods, the extent of British imperialism in Afghanistan and China, the need for a more inclusive foreign policy that considers religious and ethnic bonds, and the question of whether India should adopt Western values or champion its own civilizational ethos.

Rahul Sagars comprehensive introduction provides valuable context for these documents, illuminating how they shaped competing visions of India's role in the world. He argues that these texts helped to establish a sense of Indian nationalism and contributed to the development of a modern, independent India. To Raise a Fallen People is an essential read for anyone interested in understanding the origins of Indian conduct in international politics. It offers a rich and nuanced perspective on a period of profound change and transformation, providing a valuable contribution to the field of history and international relations.

Dimension: 229 x 152 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9780231206440