একবিংশ শতাব্দীর ভারতীয় জাতীয়তাবাদ ও রবীন্দ্রচিন্তা : একটি সমালোচনামূলক পুনর্মূল্যায়ন/ 21st-Century Indian Nationalism and Rabindranath Tagore’s Idea of Nation: A Critical Reassessment

Abstract

In the twenty-first century, Indian nationalism has undergone significant transformation. It is increasingly shaped by state-centered politics, cultural identity, and efforts to reinterpret religious and historical narratives. While post-independence nationalism was largely pluralistic and constitutionally grounded, recent political, social, and digital developments have made nationalist ideas more visible, assertive, and widely debated. The rise of Hindutva-oriented narratives, reinterpretation of historical events, and renewed focus on cultural identity have together created a distinct contemporary nationalist reality, where nationalism is expressed not only in politics but also through everyday social and cultural practices. These shifts have intensified debates about what it means to belong to the nation and how cultural and religious markers shape inclusion and exclusion.

         In this evolving context, Rabindranath Tagore’s humanistic and internationalist vision of the nation calls for a fresh critical reassessment. This study explores how Tagore’s ideas relate to contemporary Indian nationalism, focusing on two central questions: (1) To what extent is modern Indian nationalism state-centered and culturally linear? (2) How relevant are Tagore’s humanistic and moral ideas of nation today, and can they offer an alternative ethical framework for understanding national identity?

         Through theoretical analysis, close reading of Tagore’s Nationalism lectures, and comparative discussion, the study shows that his concept of the “moral nation” does more than critique state-centered nationalism. It proposes a more inclusive, culturally rich, and globally minded alternative, in which national identity is understood not merely in terms of political power or territorial sovereignty but through moral responsibility, cultural pluralism, and respect for humanistic values.

         While Tagore’s vision is idealistic and cannot be applied directly in today’s complex political and geopolitical contexts, it provides a valuable framework for rethinking nationalism along ethical, cultural, and international lines. His ideas encourage reflection on how national identity can be inclusive rather than exclusionary, and how it can coexist with broader global human solidarity.

         This research demonstrates that Tagore’s thought remains highly relevant in the twenty-first century. It offers a critical benchmark for evaluating the limits, challenges, and potential alternatives within contemporary Indian nationalism, and provides insights into how moral and humanistic principles might guide the nation’s political and cultural development in an increasingly interconnected and rapidly changing world.