Bharatmata by Sugata Bose [Hardcover]

"In the current debate about nationalism, the importance of history is undeniable," writes Sugata Bose in his book Bharatmata. In this collection of deeply researched essays and speeches, he presents a strong argument for understanding the relationship between nation, rationality, and religion in India's political thought and action. By offering a nuanced explanation of the various traditions that imagine the nation as a mother figure, he sheds light on the diverse conceptions of India as an independent and flexible federal union, which has gained new relevance in today's context. The author moves away from the false dichotomy between secular nationalism and religious communalism to provide a profound analysis of the political legacy of Rabindranath Tagore, Gandhi, Nehru, Subhas Chandra Bose, Aurobindo, Jinnah, and many other thinkers and leaders of the anti-colonial movement. He questions the presumption of an inherent conflict between cosmopolitanism and patriotism. The essays also challenge how both religious majoritarianism and secularism confuse uniformity with unity. Drawing from a rich historical repository, the parliamentary speeches present valuable lessons on political morality. By arguing against the dangers of intolerant religious majoritarianism, the book advocates for a multi-layered and inclusive sovereignty. Such sovereignty might allow a greater Indian collective identity to coexist with the diverse self-identities of the various communities within the country. On the seventieth anniversary of independence, Bharatmata delves into history to envisage an alternative future for a new India, grounded in the cultural proximity of the country's diverse communities."