Nationalism, Tagore’s Critique and Alterity: Quest for the Roots of Ideas

The volume explores Tagore as a critic of nationalism—his critique of nationalism per se and not that of any particular country. With a background of nineteenth century Bengal, it views diverse aspects of the poet-scholar’s argument vis-à-vis nationalism by delving into his essays as well as his fictional writings. Undertaking an inquiry into the roots of his seminal ideas, it integrates all his ideas about nationalism in a coherent way. It delves into his perception of India in this context, that is, his view of India as an idea and not as a geographical entity. It points out that he interrogated state in its claims of power upon society and his construction of an alterity to the politics of nationalism.