Nationalism in Hindu Culture by Radhakumud Mookerji, published in 1921 by Theosophical Publishing House, London, is a seminal work that explores the roots and expressions of nationalism within the context of Hindu civilization. The book is based on a series of lectures delivered at Mysore University and systematically examines how Hindu culture, especially through its literature, rituals, and institutions, has historically fostered a sense of national unity and identity. Mookerji challenges the colonial-era notion that Indians, particularly Hindus, lacked a practical sense of nationhood, instead arguing that Hindu culture has always contained the seeds of a vibrant, unifying nationalism.

Nationalism in Hindu Culture was one of the earliest scholarly attempts to articulate a distinctly Indian, and specifically Hindu, concept of nationalism at a time when the Indian freedom movement was gaining momentum. By rooting nationalism in indigenous cultural and spiritual traditions, Mookerji provided an intellectual counterpoint to both colonial narratives of Indian disunity and to Western models of secular nationalism.The book’s emphasis on inclusivity, diversity, and shared cultural heritage offered a vision of Indian nationhood that was both ancient and adaptable to modern needs. It inspired subsequent generations of scholars and nationalists to look to India’s past for models of unity and resilience.

1. Sanskrit Literature and National Sentiment Mookerji highlights the role of Sanskrit literature in shaping and expressing patriotic feelings. He demonstrates how ancient texts, including the Vedas and Puranas, celebrate the land, rivers, and sacred geography of India, invoking a shared sense of belonging and reverence for the motherland. For example, the Rigveda’s River Hymn lists major rivers—Ganga, Yamuna, Sarasvati, and others—as a collective invocation that transcends regional divides and fosters unity.2. Diversity as Strength A central argument is that India’s diversity—its many peoples, languages, and customs—has been recognized and celebrated as a source of strength, not division. Mookerji cites ancient sources that describe India as a land where “many peoples of different speech and diverse customs” merge into a “richer and fuller unity,” much like streams merging into the sea. This inclusive vision of nationhood stands in contrast to narrow, exclusionary definitions.3. Pilgrimage and Sacred Geography The book discusses how religious pilgrimage and the veneration of sacred sites (like Ayodhya, Kashi, Kanchi) have historically played a role in knitting together disparate regions and communities, reinforcing a pan-Indian identity. The act of pilgrimage is not just religious but also patriotic, as it connects individuals to the broader cultural and spiritual landscape of the nation.4. Institutional Embodiments of Nationalism Mookerji examines the sabhas and samitis of Vedic India—early assemblies and councils—as proto-democratic institutions that fostered debate, collective decision-making, and a sense of civic responsibility. These institutions, he argues, were crucial in cultivating a sense of political unity and national consciousness.5. Maritime and Commercial Activity Contrary to stereotypes of Indian passivity, Mookerji documents India’s maritime prowess, shipbuilding, and overseas trade, arguing that these activities were expressions of a dynamic, outward-looking national spirit. He emphasizes that India was “as great in action as in thought,” with achievements in commerce, navigation, and statecraft.6. Religion as a Unifying Force The book posits that in India, religion—particularly the spiritual and ethical teachings of Hinduism—has been the primary force for integration and national cohesion. Mookerji aligns with thinkers like Swami Vivekananda, who saw religion as the “central theme” of Indian life and the wellspring of its nationalism.

Mookerji’s work is culturally significant for several reasons:Reclaiming Indigenous Narratives: It challenged colonial stereotypes by presenting Hindu culture as practical, dynamic, and inherently nationalistic.Influence on Indian Nationalism: The book reinforced the idea that Indian nationalism need not be imported from the West but could be drawn from India’s own traditions and history.Promotion of Cultural Unity: By highlighting the role of shared rituals, sacred geography, and collective memory, Mookerji’s analysis contributed to the broader project of cultural nationalism that became central to the Indian independence movement.

The book had a multifaceted impact:Intellectual Foundation for Nationalism: It provided intellectual support for the nationalist movement by framing India’s struggle for independence as a continuation of an ancient tradition of unity and self-governance.Cultural Revival: Mookerji’s emphasis on Sanskrit, pilgrimage, and sacred geography contributed to a cultural revival that celebrated India’s heritage and fostered pride in its past.Political Discourse: The book’s ideas influenced both moderate and more assertive strands of Indian nationalism, including those that later evolved into the cultural nationalism of movements like Hindutva.However, it is important to note that while Mookerji’s vision was inclusive and rooted in diversity, later appropriations of cultural nationalism sometimes took on more exclusive or sectarian tones, which he did not advocate.

Nationalism in Hindu Culture by Radhakumud Mookerji is a landmark exploration of how Hindu civilization has historically fostered a sense of national unity through its literature, rituals, and institutions. The book’s central message is that Indian nationalism is not a recent or foreign import but a deep-rooted, organic phenomenon arising from the country’s spiritual and cultural traditions. By celebrating diversity as a source of strength and emphasizing the integrative power of religion and culture, Mookerji’s work remains relevant to contemporary debates on national identity, unity, and the role of tradition in modern society.In sum, the book stands as a testament to the enduring power of cultural narratives in shaping nations and continues to inspire both scholarly inquiry and public discourse on the nature of Indian identity.