The Political Theory of the Bhagavad-Gita : Deep Ideology, Nationalism, and Democratic Life on the Indian Subcontinent.

Format:

Book

Author/Creator:

Gray, Stuart.

Language:

English

Physical Description:

1 online resource (198 pages)

Edition:

1st ed.

Place of Publication:

Berlin/Boston : Walter de Gruyter GmbH, 2025.

Summary:

This book provides the first systematic analysis and interpretation of the Bhagavad-Gita as a work of political theory. Exploring its narrative and characters comprehensively in its own textual and historical context, with a close reading of the original Sanskrit, this volume fills a crucial gap by enriching the study of this ancient religious and philosophical work. Key themes include monarchy, rule, pluralism, and power. Additionally, by examining its influence on Mohandas Gandhi, Narendra Modi, Hindu nationalism, and contemporary Indian democracy, it offers timely insights into the enduring impact of the Gita’s ideas on political ideologies, movements, and rhetoric today.

Contents:

Frontmatter

Acknowledgments

Contents

Introduction Rethinking the Bhagavad-Gītā as Political Theory

Chapter 1 Political Integration in an Age of Strife: Bhagavad-Gītā in Epic Context

Chapter 2 Ascetic Arjuna: (Im)Mortal Self as Political Battlefield and Becoming a Yogic Hero

Chapter 3 King Kṛṣṇa: Cosmic Self, Monarchy, and Devotional Integration

Chapter 4 Modeling a Brahmanical Political Ideology

Chapter 5 Hindu Nationalism and Indian Democracy: Contemporary (Dis)Integration in the Kali-Yuga

Chapter 6 Neo-Hindu Authoritarianism, Narendra Modi, and Ideological Subversion

References

Index

Notes:

Description based on publisher supplied metadata and other sources.

This eBook is made available Open Access under a CC BY-NC-ND 4.0 license: https://creativecommons.org/licenses/by-nc-nd/4.0

ISBN:

9783111583723

3111583724

OCLC:

1504151294