The myths of Indian nationalism

Nagesh Rao — 2014-12-07T08:16:36Z

First published as a series of essays in the London Review of Books, this is a provocative book that deftly cuts through the mythologies of Indian nationalism. The essays and the book have elicited several critical responses from Indian readers; this review concludes with a defense of Anderson's core project and pace a few of his detractors. Taken together, these essays offer a challenge to Indian intellectuals, particularly of the Left, to break decisively with a set of ideas that make up what Anderson calls the Indian Ideology. The Indian Ideology relies on and reinforces a series of myths that project India as having miraculously achieved what other post-colonial nations have not: a functioning democracy, a secular state, and a united body politic. Anderson's critique takes in a wide range of scholarship to systematically demolish each one of this triune of cherished myths.

- Reviews section / India, Reviews

Fear clouds the Indian elections

Nagesh Rao — 2014-05-19T06:49:16Z

Nagesh Rao provides the background for understanding the elections in India—and the looming threat of a triumph for the Hindu right when they end this month.

- IV472 - May 2014 / India, Far Right

International Viewpoint - online socialist magazine

The myths of Indian nationalism

Fear clouds the Indian elections