Exploring Pluralistic Indian Nationalism: Aurobindo, Vivekananda, Gandhi, and Nehru in Historical Political Thought

Abstract The article gives a snippet view of the pluralism of Indian nationalism by focusing on some of the critical views expounded by Aurobindo, Vivekananda, Gandhi, and Nehru, who significantly contributed to the intellectual, social, and political spheres of India. The ideas and actions of these national heroes played a crucial role in shaping the Indian idea of nationalism and the Indian freedom struggle. Aurobindo saw militant nationalism as a spiritual principle. Vivekananda believed in Karma , morality, and fearlessness; he laid focus on the Upanishads , the Brahma Sutras , and the Bhagavad Gita as the three primary ancient Vedanta writings, and he was an exponent of spiritual nationalism. Gandhi promoted Swaraj (self-rule), Swadeshi (native products for social development), Swadharma (to follow the best in our own religion), Satyagraha (holding fast to truth), Sarvodaya (upliftment of all), Brahmacharya (celibacy), Asangrah (non-possession), Sharirashrama (physical labor), Aswads (control of palate), Sarvatra-Bhaya-Varjana (fearlessness), and Ahimsa (non-violence). He upheld cultural nationalism. Nehru was inclined towards socialism. Socialism is an economic and political system that advocates for collective ownership and control of the means of production, aiming to create an egalitarian society by reducing inequalities and ensuring social welfare. The article reveals how diverse ideas inspired multi-dimensional Indian nationalism and laid the foundation of the Indian freedom struggle against the British Raj.