Movers and writers

“The rich and diverse writings of Indian thinker-politicians have so far not been explored,” says the author of the much acclaimed India After Gandhi. The first thinker-activist to be featured in Makers of Modern India is Rammohan Roy. The others include well-known thinkers like MK Gandhi,Jawaharlal Nehru,MA Jinnah,Rabindranath Tagore,BR Ambedkar,GK Gokhale,BG Tilak and Jotirao Phule as well as not-so-famous ones like Verrier Elwin,MS Golwalkar and Hamid Dalwai.

The book is definitely a first in Indian publishing. But Guha has no intention of coming up with another such volume. “I made a start that should be carried forward by other editors. Hopefully,they will compile different kinds of writings. This will help start debates and discussions.”

Even though Gandhi,Nehru,Ambedkar and others wrote at a great length about the world they saw and shaped,most of their writings have not been explored by the present-day scholars and students. “In India,the study of history is separate from political science. While history is more chronological,political science offers only a slice of political history and thinking,” says the author,who was in Mumbai recently for a lecture. “It’s our fault that we have neglected these writings so far.” The Bangalore-based historian-cum-columnist,however,emphasises on selecting those writings which are relevant even in the present times.

When asked,Guha refrains from naming the most influential ones among the present breed of political thinkers. “It is for history to judge,” he says. The author,however,says it’s important that contemporary politicians are aware of their political legacy. He doubts whether Mayawati knows much about Ambedkar’s political ideas. He also suggests that Rahul Gandhi should read the letters that Nehru wrote to chief ministers which would give the young leader insight into his great grandfather’s political ideology.