.png)
Understanding Nations and Civilisations
This book review explores key terms that are incorrectly but convieniently used out of context. Most notably are Nation and State - which are different.
Background
Beginning with the fundamental premise that 'India' as a civilisation, did not come into being post-1947 and is not entrely defined by the constitution, it highlights the need to understand that the past is essential in trying to understand the present and the future. Just as the 'West' is a civilisational identity - full of cultures, states. suprastates, territories, and spans across geographies - in the exact same manner 'India - that is Bharat' is a civilisation. It is distinct from other civilisations by virtue of its integrative, sustainable and welcoming nature. Inm acknowledging this hallmark, we do not diminish the modernising of the Nation, which became a Nation-State in 1947. Rather, we understand what this Civilisation-turned Nation can be, for itself and the world. The Nation is 'Rashtra', but is used out of context to mean 'Rajya', which is in fact a State.
Key Ideas
Beginning with the fundamental premise that 'India' as a civilisation, did not come into being post-1947 and is not entrely defined by the constitution, it highlights the need to understand that the past is essential in trying to understand the present and the future. Just as the 'West' is a civilisational identity - full of cultures, states. suprastates, territories, and spans across geographies - in the exact same manner 'India - that is Bharat' is a civilisation. It is distinct from other civilisations by virtue of its integrative, sustainable and welcoming nature. In acknowledging this hallmark, we do not diminish the modernising of the Nation, which became a Nation-State in 1947. Rather, we understand what this Civilisation-turned Nation can be, for itself and the world. The Nation is 'Rashtra', but is used out of context to mean 'Rajya', which is in fact a State.
Future
The takeaway from this impeccablyu written and detailed account on the 'New Idea of India' is to take note that India should not be shoe-horned as just a Nation, worst still, a State. No, it is a civilisation that has spanned millenia and the recent decades since Independence are simply a transition from being a civilisation with many political units, to a single political entity.
.jpg)
14 Tottenham Court Road
London, England
W1T 1JY
United Kingdom
