'Indian nationalism is the nationalism of an idea, the idea of an ever-ever land, emerging from an ancient civilization, sustained by pluralist democracy.' [5]
About this quote
- What does it mean?
- Indian nationalism is described as rooted in an ancient civilization and sustained by pluralist democracy rather than ethnic homogeneity.
- In plain terms
- Indian nationalism is about an ancient idea sustained by pluralist democracy.
- What can you take from it?
- Nationalism based on ideas and democracy lasts longer.
Where it applies
Putting it to work
Questions to consider
- Can a nation be defined by an idea?
- How does democracy sustain nationalism?
Another view
Ideological nationalism can still face internal divisions.
More from Shashi Tharoor
'What is most important to me is Jawaharlal Nehru's idea of India, India as a pluralist society and polity, an idea which is central to India's survival, which…
Permalink to quote #4 'We all have multiple identities in India; we are all minorities in India. Our heterogeneity is definitional.' [6]
Permalink to quote #6 'Does NRI (Non-Resident Indian) stand for Not Really Indian or Never Relinquished India? I believe a little of both!' [3]
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