The Bhagavadgita in the Nationalist Discourse

This book examines the role of the Bhagavadgita in the formation of nationalist thought. It analyses how the text was deployed as the central terrain of nationalist contestation and in the diverse ethico-moral mappings of the nation. Focusing on Balgangadhar Tilak, Swami Vivekananda, Mahatma Gandhi, Aurobindo Ghose, Vinoba Bhave and B.R. Ambedkar as the representatives of different strands of nationalist discourse, this volume probes their reflections on Gita. The author argues that Bhagavadgita opened up several possible understandings without necessarily eliminating one another and that Indian nationalism could also be understood as a commentary on the text.

This book will be of considerable interest to scholars and students of religion, philosophy, and modern Indian history particularly those concerned with nationalist movement.