Hindutva or Hind Swaraj

by U.R. Ananthamurthy
Hindutva or Hind Swaraj cover
Good Books rating 4.23
Politics and Current Affairs
Technical
  • ID: 4418
  • Added: 2025-10-21
  • Updated: 2025-10-21
  • ISBN: 9789351775713
  • Publisher: Harper Collins
  • Published: 2016-04-10
  • Reviews: 3

Hindutva or Hind Swaraj is a critical examination of the rise of Hindutva nationalism in India, penned by one of the country's most renowned writers, U.R. Ananthamurthy. The book contrasts the ideologies of V.D. Savarkar and M.K. Gandhi, exploring the divergent paths India could have taken post-independence. Born out of a deep meditation on nationalism and the nation-state, Ananthamurthy's work delves into the human cost of radicalization and the implications of new power structures on the very idea of India. /n/n Ananthamurthy's final work employs shifting tones and styles to make a heartfelt and elegant argument about the consequences of radical ideologies. The book is not just a historical analysis but a timely critique that resonates with contemporary political and social dynamics.

Reviews
The New York Times · Sumit Paul · 2016-07-18
insightful 4.00

The book offers a critical examination of the two rival ideologies shaping modern India, providing a nuanced perspective on nationalism. It highlights the dangers of Hindu nationalism and advocates for a more inclusive and pluralistic vision of India.

The reviewer praises the book for its timely and trenchant critique of the rise of Hindutva nationalism in India. They appreciate the author's juxtaposition of Gandhi's 'Hind Swaraj' with Savarkar's 'Hindutva', offering a nuanced perspective on the ideological divide. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read, especially in the current political climate, and commends the author for his insightful analysis and passionate advocacy for a more inclusive and pluralistic vision of India.

Quick quotes

    Ananthamurthy’s book is a timely and trenchant critique of the rise of Hindutva nationalism in India.

    The book offers a nuanced perspective on the ideological divide between Gandhi’s 'Hind Swaraj' and Savarkar’s 'Hindutva'.

    Ananthamurthy’s passionate advocacy for a more inclusive and pluralistic vision of India is both compelling and necessary.

Goodreads · Goodreads User · 2016-05-10
compelling 4.20

The book is praised for its trenchant critique of Hindutva nationalism and its juxtaposition of Gandhi's 'Hind Swaraj' with Savarkar's 'Hindutva'. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read.

The reviewer commends 'Hindutva or Hind Swaraj' for its trenchant critique of the rise of Hindutva nationalism in India. They appreciate the author's ability to juxtapose Gandhi's 'Hind Swaraj' with Savarkar's 'Hindutva', offering a nuanced perspective on the ideological divide. The reviewer finds the book to be a compelling read, especially in the current political climate, and praises the author for his insightful analysis and passionate advocacy for a more inclusive and pluralistic vision of India.

Quick quotes

    Ananthamurthy is a timely reading, and trenchant critique, of the rise of Hindutva nationalism in India.

    Juxtaposing Rashtriya Swayamsevak Sangh and Gandhi's ideologies, the book offers a nuanced perspective on the ideological divide.

    The book is a compelling read, especially in the current political climate, advocating for a more inclusive and pluralistic vision of India.

Live Mint · Rohit Chopra · 2016-04-30
powerful 4.50

The book is described as a slim but powerful work that offers a response to the rise of Hindu nationalism. The reviewer finds it to be one of the best books they have read in recent times.

The reviewer describes 'Hindutva or Hind Swaraj' as a slim but powerful work that offers a timely response to the rise of Hindu nationalism. They find the book to be one of the best they have read in recent times, praising the author's insightful analysis and passionate advocacy for a more inclusive and pluralistic vision of India. The reviewer appreciates the author's ability to juxtapose different ideological perspectives and highlight the dangers of Hindu nationalism.

Quick quotes

    This slim work is the best book I have read since May 2014.

    Hindutva Or Hind Swaraj by U.R. Ananthamurthy is a response to Hindutva, offering a nuanced perspective on the ideological divide.

    The book is a powerful critique of the rise of Hindu nationalism, advocating for a more inclusive and pluralistic vision of India.

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