Opinion: BHARAT vs INDIA – Contours of Nationalism vs Pseudo-Nationalism

The concept of nationalism is marked by conflicting viewpoints that shape its interpretation and influence its role in various societies. Nationalism is rooted in an emotional attachment to a nation, often defined by a shared culture, history or struggles.

It involves and revolves around the belief that citizens of a nation-state share commonalities that distinguish them from other nationalities across the globe. This sentiment of national identity holds the power to unite people while acknowledging their distinctiveness. Different strands of nationalism exist, each presenting their unique claims and perspectives.

Bharatiya nationalism, for instance, binds its citizens emotionally to the nation-state of Bharat and justifies its existence. However, within the context of Bharatiya nationalism, several parallel streams of nationalism have emerged, each presenting their distinct ideologies and interpretations of the concept. These claims of nationalism are diverse and often conflicting, reflecting various ideological, historical, and cultural perspectives. These conflicting claims shape the understanding and expression of nationalism in different contexts and societies, contributing to an ongoing discourse about the role and significance of national identity.

These different strands include Nehruvian-Nationalism, Communist-Nationalism, Anarchist-Nationalism and Cultural-Nationalism (Bharatiya Rastrawad). Nehruvian-Nationalism, which gained prominence during the 1960s and 1970s, asserts that the emergence of Bharatiya nationalism coincided with the rise of modern states.

This strand questions the antiquity of the Bharatiya nation, arguing that prior to the 19th-century freedom struggle, Bharat was not a cohesive nation-state but a conglomerate of different communities and sub-regions.

This perspective views the freedom struggle as a catalyst that galvanized diverse groups of people into a shared sense of nationalism, ultimately leading to the formation of the Bharatiya nation-state in 1947. This brand of nationalism emphasizes inclusivity and unity among Bharat’s diverse population, focusing on values such as constitutionalism, equality, and freedom.

On the contrary, Communist-Nationalism stands in stark opposition to traditional nationalism. Communists view nationalism as a temporary phenomenon, driven by capitalist interests that will diminish with the rise of communism. Their allegiance lies more with class-consciousness than with national identity, and they often prioritise international communist ideals over nationalistic fervour.

Anarchist-Nationalism, a more recent development, lacks a cohesive ideology and often exhibits conflicting stances. While the Aam Aadmi Party (AAP) claims to uphold nationalism, its expressions of this concept vary widely and can sometimes conflict with each other. This form of nationalism is characterised by tendencies that challenge the established norms and structures, often questioning national stances on international matters and even supporting regionalism or secessionist movements. Recently, many political alliances have emerged avowedly for nationalism in the garb of INDIA.

Bharatiya-Rashtra or Cultural-Nationalism, on the other hand, asserts that India has always been a nation with a rich cultural heritage dating back thousands of years. This perspective draws from the idea that India's ancient culture, linguistic heritage, and territory create a common bond among its citizens. It views Hinduism as the basis of Bharatiya nationhood, emphasising shared values and cultural ties that have persisted through history. Cultural nationalists argue that core Hindu values, such as tolerance and humanism, have influenced the formation of modern India and are embedded in its Constitution.

In contrast, proponents of Cultural Nationalism assert that Bharat has held the identity of "Rastra" since antiquity, rooted deeply within its culture. They believe that the sentiment of nationalism is inherent, innate, and intrinsic to Indian culture. The foundation of their argument lies in the notion that Bharat’s shared cultural heritage, spanning a history of over 5000 years, inherently unifies the nation. Cultural nationalism draws its essence from the concept of an existing Bharatiya nation and a proud national identity that is intertwined with linguistic heritage, cultural practices, and territorial unity.

Central to this perspective is the concept of "Bharat" as the motherland, where all its inhabitants are regarded as her sons and daughters. According to cultural nationalists, "Bharat Rashtra" represents an organic whole, with its citizens functioning as integral sub-components. This viewpoint highlights the ancient identity of India as a civilisation, wherein societal and cultural ties have been the binding force throughout its history. The sentiment of "Rashtra" has perpetually existed within the people inhabiting the geographical expanse known as Bharat, as reflected in its diverse cultural manifestations.

For instance, cultural nationalists often point to recitations in daily prayers, such as the Shloka from the Vishnu Purana, which identifies the region north of the ocean and south of the snowy mountains as "Bharatam," the dwelling place of the descendants of Bharata.

Additionally, the practice of Hindus undertaking pilgrimage to the four Dhams situated in the corners of the Bharat landmass further reinforces this sense of unity. The envisioned society built on cultural values is deeply rooted in Hinduism, which is equated with humanism and universalism.

Cultural nationalists contend that there is no inherent dichotomy or distinction between Hinduism and bharat-ism. They assert that the core values of Hinduism align with the fundamental principles that underpin Bharatiya nationalism.

These values, including tolerance, peaceful co-existence, liberty, humanism, and universalism, are believed to have been integrated into the Constitution of India. The incorporation of the name "Bharata" into the Constitution signifies the antiquity of Bharatiya culture and its profound influence on the nation's identity and ethos.

Within the constitutional framework, the ethos of "Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam" and the recognition of the importance of the cow, as well as the promotion of the Hindi language primarily rooted in Sanskrit, further exemplify the alignment between cultural nationalism and the nation's governing principles.

In the eyes of cultural nationalists, Hinduism and Indian-ism are inseparable and represent a unified foundation upon which the nation is built. This perspective emphasises the integral role of culture, heritage, and historical continuity in shaping India's sense of nationhood and national identity. That is the basic premise of Hindu-Rashtra.

(Views expressed in this opinion piece are that of the author)