Hindutva And Hind Swaraj: History’s Unforgotten Ideas

Hindutva and Hind Swaraj offers a close analysis of the enduring ideological clash in Indian history between Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, symbolizing the broader political, cultural, and social divides within Hindu and Indian society. This conflict, between the philosophies of Hindutva and Hind Swaraj, continues to shape national life on both political and personal levels. The book is divided into three parts: the first explores the absence of historical records in ancient India and the effort to construct a national history to reclaim India’s past; the second examines India’s cultural identity, the effects of colonialism, and calls for a balanced discourse that recognizes the country’s complexity and diversity; and the third focuses on the contemporary political scene, the rise of Hindutva, and the ongoing struggle between Gandhi’s nonviolent resistance and Savarkar’s support of armed rebellion. Highlighting these unresolved tensions, the book argues for a new approach that embraces balanced dialogue and deeper reflection on nationalism, democracy, and society to help shape India’s future.