The Positive Background of Hindu Sociology c14.s8.t5.18

c14.s8.t5.18

Students of modern nationalism or of the “nationality question” are aware of the rôle that has been played by language in the military history and “geopolitics” of nineteenth century Europe and is still being played in the “minorities” problems of post-war Europe. Evidently Śivāji was no mere dare-devil soldier, victorious general and successful statesman. He was a political and social philosopher too and a champion of culture. In his life’s work are to be detected the influences of linguistic patriotism. As a nationalist, more precisely as an exponent of national language in politics Śivāji can claim recognition as one of the first among the modern makers of history as a precursor of Herder (1744-1803) and Fichte¹⁵ (1762-1814). No estimate of Śivāji's achievements in political action and thought can be adequate which ignores his great solicitude for emancipating his countrymen from the thraldom of a foreign tongue.