Essays in National Idealism

Ananda K. Coomaraswamy

17 chapters · about 5 h

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The opening

CHAPTER I. The Deeper Meaning of the Struggle.

The Deeper Meaning of the Struggle.

T HE world is now familiar with the phenomenon commonly known as the “Unrest in India.” In this unrest or struggle, there have been many more or less dramatic episodes, that have called attention to its existence, otherwise often ignored, sometimes unsuspected. We have had, for example, the series of events connected with the partition of Bengal, the deportation and imprisonment of many Indian leaders without trial, the resignation of a Lieutenant-Governor, attempted assassinations, the use of bombs, innumerable press prosecutions, the suppression of free speech, and on the other hand, some attempts at political reform. These things are signs; but of what struggle, what desire?

So much depends upon our conception of the issues at stake. India for the Indians! True; but why? Is it that we may have, or that we may be, and give? Do we fight with attachment to the fruits of works, such as political rights and commercial prosperity; or do we fight for an idea, the duty of self-realisation for the sake of others? If it is for an idea that we fight, victory is assured, if only for a material end, it may be that there also we shall win — or it may be not — but if we do win, it is not obvious what the great gain to humanity will be. Five hundred years hence it will matter little to humanity whether a few Indians, more or less, have held official posts in India, or a few million bales of cloth been manufactured in Bombay or Lancashire factories; but it will matter much whether the great ideals of Indian culture have been carried forward or allowed to die. It is with these that Indian Nationalism is essentially concerned, and upon these that the fate of India as a nation depends.

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