Taking The Stock Of: NATIONALISM IN SOUTH ASIA

Book Code: 1111036579403

R. Sreekantan Nair

ABOUT THE BOOK

Nationalism, once a powerful beacon illuminating the path to self-determination and a rallying cry against the oppressive shadows of colonialism, has evolved into a complex and multifaceted force in the tapestry of global politics. As nations shook off the chains of foreign dominion, the fervour for self-governance and national identity led to the birth of new states, each seeking to carve out its unique place in the world. During the later part , dawn of globalization—a vast, ever-expanding web connecting economies, cultures, and people—the landscape of nationalism experienced profound shifts. The seamless flow of information, capital, and ideas across borders brought both opportunities and contradictions, challenging the very essence of national identity. In South Asia, this interplay between nationalism and globalization paints a particularly poignant picture. Unlike the secular nationalist currents that flowed through Europe, the nations of South Asia have witnessed a resurgence of narrow, parochial religious identities. The vibrancy and diversity of cultures and beliefs, once seen as a strength, have become the fault lines along which societal tensions simmer. India, with its kaleidoscope of religions, languages, and ethnicities, stands as a prime example. The rise of right-wing religious fundamentalism has injected a potent narrative into the mainstream discourse—one that seeks to redefine the nation's identity along sectarian lines. This shift pulls away from the liberal democratic traditions that were once the cornerstone of India's secular framework, casting a shadow over the future trajectory of its democratic processes. The echoes of this religious nationalism reverberate across the region, influencing political, social, and cultural dynamics. The rich mosaic of South Asian identities, now interwoven with threads of religious fervour, presents both challenges and  further contradictions in the track of  the  region's democratic  future. This volume delves into the intricate display of nationalism in South Asia, offering a cross-sectional view of its ever-evolving dynamics. Each paper within this collection brings forth a unique perspective, shedding light on the myriad ways in which nationalism continues to shape and be shaped by the forces of globalization, religion, and identity.

ABOUT THE AUTHOR

R. Sreekantan Nair, currently associates with JKM Group of Educational Institutions as a Educational Consultant and Principal to JKM College, Salboni, Jharkhand. Previously he  worked with NSS Colleges in the Kerala University, as Senior professor / faculty in Political Science and contributed a good number of research articles and books on India's Foreign policy, Human rights and national politics. Prior to his entry to college services, he was with the judicial services of Government of Kerala. He was the Editor in chief of the research journal-Human Rights Global Focus, an international journal. Besides he associates with many social and progressive movements and right now he is the Chairman of  S A F E Foundation, an NGO focussing on Education as the catalyst of social changes. Shashikant Pandey is the associate professor in the Dept of Political Science, Agra College, Agra. Earlier he was the HOD, Dept of Political Science, ND PG College, Shikohabad. He was closely associated to the various social and progressive movements like Azadi Bachavo Andolan, Allhabad and he was the regional Editor of HRGF, a research Quarterly on Human Rights. Right now he is also the consultant Editor, Janchok Media Initiative, New Delhi. Dr. Moushumi Mahato is a senior faculty member and Head of the Department of Education at Jamini Kalyani Mahato College of Management, Science, and Commerce, Salboni, Jharkhand. Her teaching expertise lies in Learning and Teaching, with a specialization in ICT and classroom learning. Additionally, as a faculty member in the Department of English, she has contributed numerous articles to reputable peer-reviewed journals. Currently, she serves as the Coordinator of the Internal Quality Assurance Committee and oversees general coordination for the college's preparation for NAAC accreditation.

CONTENTS

Acknowledgement........................................................................................... 9

Introduction.................................................................................................. 11

 

Part-I: Discourse, Debate and Dissent...............................................................33

1. Indian Nationalism and Marginalised: Investigating the

Question of Inclusivity.....................................................................................35

— Yagati Chinna Rao

 

2. Nationalism in India; Shifting Paradigms of Narratives,

Notions and Nonsenses....................................................................................45

— R Sreekatan Nair

 

3. State Building in Sri Lanka: Is a Hazy Dream or Lofty Goal?...............................73

— Dr Nadeeka Damayanthi Mahamadachchi

 

4. Accumulation and Dispossession: Neo-liberal Hindutva

Nationalism in Contemporary India...................................................................87

— Shashikant Pandey

 

5. Supremacy of Religious Majoritarian Nationalism in South Asia.......................111

— Dr Hamid Rasool

 

6. Nationalism in South Asia: A Historical Perspective........................................119

— Dr Raju Ojha

 

Part-II: Development, Desperation and Destitution..........................................125

7. Globalisation vs. Nationalism: Striking a Balance in a

Connected World.........................................................................................127

— Dr Veeragoni Shirisha

 

8. Nationalism and International Integration; The Case of

India’s economic performance and its marked presence...................................135

— Prity Kumari

 

9. Nationalism and Development in India; The case of

Modi Administration....................................................................................147

Shiwangi Singh, Mohan Lal Meena & Vikas Patel

 

10. Nationalism and Development in South Asia..............................................155

— Dr Vinay Chandra Pathak

 

11. Nationalism and Political Violence...........................................................161

— Dr Deo Krishna Choudhary

 

12. The Interrelationships of Nationalism, Political Violence,

Environmental Issues and Public Policy..........................................................177

— Bir Abhimanyu Kumar & Rajiv Kumar

 

 

13. National Consciousness and The Kuka Movement: The Genesis

of Non-Violence and Non-cooperation Movement in India’s

Struggle for Independence..........................................................................191

— Dr Khushwant Kaur

 

14. Indian Nationalism; The Ethical and Political Questions..............................199

— Dr Ashita R

 

Part-III: Scientific Spirit and Objective Reality................................................207

 

15. Science and Nationalism: Discursive shift in political discourses

in India....................................................................................................209

— Dr Prashant Kumar Kain

 

16. Science and Indian Nationalism.............................................................223

— Gitashri Kalindi

 

Part-IV: Art, Culture and Literary Expressions...............................................237

 

17. Hindi Literature and Nationalism: The Discourse of Nationalism

in Prem Chand’s Literature........................................................................239

— Dr Reetambhara Pandey

 

18. Cultural and National Consciousness in Hindi poetry;

The changing narratives............................................................................245

— Dr Asha S Nair

 

19. Rabidranath Tagore’s Concept on Nationalism; A critical reflection

on the majoritarian nationalism in India and Beyond.....................................253

— Sushama Archana Topno

 

Notes on Contributors...............................................................................267

Contributors............................................................................................269

Index......................................................................................................273