Nationalism, Terrorism, Communalism: Essays in Modern Indian History

by Peter Heehs

During his political career, Sri Aurobindo was one of the leading exponents of anti-British nationalism in India. At the same time he was the inspiration behind a clandestine group that planned to overthrow the colonial government by force. The sort of violent acts that this group carried out are regarded by social scientists as "terrorism", using that word in a technical sense that was current before recent events altered its meaning.

Sri Aurobindo's writings have sometimes been regarded as giving expression to a specifically "Hindu" form of nationalism. The author shows, however, that his nationalism was inclusive and not directed against any religious community.

The seven scholarly essays that make up this book will be of interest to students of the Indian freedom struggle and of Sri Aurobindo's early thought.