A.
Why, in Khilnani’s view, was the
state
’s role especially important in the attempt
to build an Indian national identity after independence?
Your answer should
address specific examples of state action and its impacts on national identity,
as well as considering Khilnani's argument in detail.
a.
The role of the Indian government was not to establish a single national
identity, but to create a country where multiple identities can co-exist.
1.
Independence.
What now?
a.
“The Constitution, and the politics it sanctioned,
thus reinforced community identities rather than
sustaining a sense of common citizenship based on
individual rights.” Khilnani 37
b.
“No sooner had the Republic been declared in
January 1950, than Nehru’s wish to use the state to
pursue policies of toleration and planned economic
development came under fierce attack...But at the
end of 1950 Patel suddenly died, and with this
chance event the command of the party passed into
Nehru’s hands.” Khilnani 38
c.
“Very rapidly, the state accumulated for itself many
quite disparate responsibilities, from patrolling
borders that stretched across glaciers to abolishing
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- Spring '08
- KikiEdozie
- Khilnani
-
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