India that is Bharat

1. Coloniality: The Root of Domination Beyond Colonialism

Coloniality refers to the fundamental element or thought process that informs the policy of colonialism and advances the subtler end goal of colonisation, namely colonisation of the mind through complete domination of the culture and worldview of the colonised society.

Beyond political control. Coloniality is more than just the establishment of colonies (colonization) or the policies that drive it (colonialism). It's the deep-seated mindset that seeks to dominate the culture and worldview of the colonized, aiming for complete mental and spiritual subjugation. It's the "cultural coloniality" that lingers long after political independence is achieved.

Cultural domination. This process involves subtly imposing the colonizer's values, beliefs, and ways of life, often leading to the devaluation or erasure of indigenous knowledge and practices. This can manifest in various forms, from language and education to religion and social norms. The goal is to make the colonized society mirror the colonizer's image.

A lasting legacy. Coloniality's effects persist even after formal decolonization, shaping the thinking, aspirations, and institutions of formerly colonized societies. It creates a distorted consciousness that perpetuates dependence on the colonizer's framework, hindering true self-determination.

2. Decoloniality: Reclaiming Indigenous Agency and Dignity

The goal of decoloniality was to unshackle hitherto colonised societies from the totalising universalisms of European colonialism and its current-day successor, Western imperialism, in order to restore agency and dignity to their consciousness.

Response to coloniality. Decoloniality emerges as a direct response to the pervasive influence of coloniality, seeking to dismantle the Eurocentric framework imposed on colonized societies. It's a movement for reclaiming indigenous consciousness, agency, and dignity.

Rejecting universalism. Decoloniality challenges the notion that European or Western values are universally applicable or superior. Instead, it emphasizes the importance of recognizing and valuing diverse perspectives, knowledge systems, and ways of life. It seeks to create a "pluriversal" world where multiple subjectivities can coexist.

Beyond postcolonialism. Unlike postcolonialism, which often focuses on critiquing colonial structures, decoloniality goes further by seeking to dismantle the underlying colonial mindset. It aims to decolonize not just institutions but also the very ways of thinking and being that have been shaped by coloniality.

3. The Christian Underpinnings of European Coloniality

A key intellectual and political conviction of the argument in the Latin American decoloniality literature, revisited in Sai Deepak’s tract, is the overpowering nature of colonial consciousness and the distinctive self-serving mindset of the coloniser as well.

Religious roots. European colonialism wasn't solely driven by economic or political motives; it was deeply intertwined with Christian beliefs and a sense of religious superiority. This conviction fueled the colonizer's belief in their right to "civilize" and convert non-Christian populations.

The Age of Discovery. The voyages of exploration, like Columbus's expedition, were often framed as missions to spread Christianity and "liberate" non-Christian societies from their "wretched existence." This religious justification masked the brutal exploitation and violence that accompanied colonization.

Secularization of Christian ideals. Even in the post-Enlightenment era, Christian values continued to shape colonial policies and attitudes. Concepts like "toleration" and "humanism" were often used to justify interventions in colonized societies, while subtly promoting Christian norms and values.

4. The Devastating Impact of Coloniality on Indigenous Societies

The literature taught me that ‘decoloniality’ was the response to coloniality and the Eurocentric/Western-normative framework introduced in colonised societies by the European coloniser.

Disruption of indigenous systems. Coloniality wreaked havoc on indigenous societies by disrupting their traditional ways of life, knowledge systems, and relationships with nature. This included the suppression of indigenous languages, the imposition of foreign education systems, and the destruction of sacred sites.

Loss of agency. Coloniality led to the erosion of indigenous agency and self-determination. Colonized peoples were often denied the right to govern themselves, practice their own religions, or control their own resources. This created a sense of dependence and inferiority that persisted long after decolonization.

Transgenerational trauma. The effects of coloniality continue to be felt across generations in formerly colonized societies. This includes psychological distress, cultural alienation, and social inequalities. Addressing this transgenerational trauma is a crucial part of the decolonial project.

5. The Westphalian System: A Christian Framework Universalized

In the final analysis, the discerning lawyer, Sai Deepak, underscores the fact that the Government of India Act of 1919 provided the framework for independent Bharat’s Constitution of 1950, while the Government of India Act of 1935 provided its architecture, which he promises to explore further in the sequels to this book.

Origins in religious conflict. The Westphalian system, which established the modern nation-state, emerged from the Thirty Years' War, a conflict rooted in religious divisions within Europe. The Peace of Westphalia, which ended the war, enshrined the principle of state sovereignty and the right of rulers to determine the religion of their territories.

Christian underpinnings. Despite its emphasis on state sovereignty, the Westphalian system was deeply influenced by Christian political theology. Concepts like "toleration" and the separation of church and state were shaped by Christian ideas and experiences.

Universalization of a European model. The Westphalian system was gradually imposed on the rest of the world through colonialism and international law. Non-European societies were expected to adopt the nation-state model and adhere to European norms in order to be recognized as "civilized" members of the international community.

6. The Constitution as a Battleground of Civilizational Identity

We were being told that Bharat was a synthetic product of colonisation, which had no identity or consciousness of its own before the European coloniser set foot on its soil and stitched it together as one ‘nation’.

Clash of worldviews. The Indian Constitution, like those of many formerly colonized societies, has become a site of contestation between competing worldviews. On one side are those who see it as a tool for modernization and progress, based on Western values. On the other are those who seek to reclaim indigenous traditions and values, viewing the Constitution as a potential vehicle for decolonization.

Legitimacy of the Indian State. The very legitimacy of the Indian state is being questioned, with some arguing that it is a mere construct of colonialism, lacking a genuine indigenous identity. This challenges the foundations of the Constitution and its ability to represent the true aspirations of the Indian people.

Reconciling tradition and modernity. The challenge lies in finding a way to reconcile the principles of constitutionalism with the unique civilizational heritage of India. This requires a critical examination of the Constitution's origins and its potential to accommodate indigenous values and perspectives.

7. Bharat: A Civilization, Not Just a Nation

This book is a must-read for everyone who is interested in understanding the relationship between the consciousness of the world’s oldest surviving indigenous civilisation and the Constitution of the world’s largest democracy.

Beyond the nation-state. The book argues that India is more than just a nation-state; it is a civilization with a long and rich history, a distinct cultural identity, and a unique set of values. This civilizational identity predates the arrival of European colonizers and has shaped the country's social, political, and spiritual landscape.

Civilizational consciousness. Recognizing India as a civilization requires acknowledging its indigenous consciousness, its unique ways of knowing, and its distinct approach to life. This includes valuing its traditions, its languages, and its spiritual heritage.

Reclaiming agency. By embracing its civilizational identity, India can reclaim agency over its own destiny and resist the homogenizing forces of Western imperialism. This involves reinterpreting its history, re-evaluating its institutions, and re-imagining its future in a way that is true to its own values.

8. The Unfinished Business: Coloniality's Lingering Influence

Every aspect of Bharatiya society, including its governance and legal structures, originates in colonial constructs that disavow Bharat’s indigeneity.

Subtle yet pervasive. Coloniality continues to exert a subtle yet pervasive influence on Indian society, even after independence. This manifests in the uncritical acceptance of Western norms, the devaluation of indigenous knowledge, and the perpetuation of colonial stereotypes.

Internalized oppression. Coloniality can lead to self-abnegation and self-loathing, as colonized peoples internalize the colonizer's negative perceptions of their own culture. This can hinder their ability to embrace their indigenous identity and pursue their own goals.

The path forward. Overcoming coloniality requires a conscious and sustained effort to decolonize the mind, to reclaim indigenous knowledge, and to build a society that is rooted in its own values and traditions. This is a long and challenging process, but it is essential for achieving true freedom and self-determination.

Last updated: April 16, 2025