FREE IGNOU MHI-09 Solved QUESTION Paper DECEMBER 2022
Question 9: Marxist and Subaltern Views on Indian Nationalism
Marxist and Subaltern perspectives offer distinct analyses of Indian nationalism. Marxist scholars view nationalism as a product of class interests and economic factors. They argue that the national movement served bourgeois elites, diverting attention from underlying class struggles. According to this view, the Indian National Congress, dominated by the educated middle class, championed a nationalist agenda that did not adequately address the concerns of peasants and workers.
Subaltern studies, led by scholars like Ranajit Guha, focus on marginalized voices and alternative narratives. They critique mainstream nationalist history for ignoring the experiences of peasants, laborers, and indigenous communities. Subaltern scholars assert that the nationalist movement’s narrative was often constructed by the elite and did not accurately represent the diversity of perspectives and struggles within Indian society.
Both perspectives highlight the limitations and complexities of Indian nationalism. While the Marxist view underscores the role of economic factors and class interests in shaping the movement, the Subaltern perspective highlights the need to consider the agency and experiences of marginalized groups. These perspectives together provide a more comprehensive understanding of the multifaceted nature of Indian nationalism.
