155 - Intellectual Debates and the Formation of National Ideologies (c. 1900–1947 CE) (S11E5)

A History of India

This episode explores the intellectual ferment in India during the struggle for independence, examining the debates that shaped national ideologies and the very idea of what a free India should be. We analyze the competing visions of nationhood, social justice, and cultural identity that evolved during this period, highlighting the tensions between tradition and modernity, unity and diversity. Key figures like Surendranath Banerjee and the Indian National Congress will be examined, showcasing the different paths envisioned for an independent India.

We also delve into the rise of groups like the Hindu Mahasabha and the Muslim League, and how their contrasting ideologies contributed to the complex political landscape of the time. The episode emphasizes the importance of understanding these historical debates for making sense of contemporary India. We'll examine how the questions debated then still resonate today in discussions about national identity, religious pluralism, and social justice.