The discourse of nationalism in colonial India generated diverse ideological responses ranging from militant political resistance to cultural revivalism. Among these voices, Rabindranath Tagore articulated a distinctive philosophical alternative grounded in spirituality and universal humanism. Rather than endorsing nationalism as a political mechanism of power, Tagore reinterpreted it as an ethical and spiritual awakening rooted in cultural harmony and human unity. This paper critically examines the concept of spiritual nationalism in Tagore’s English writings, particularly Gitanjali, Nationalism, Sadhana: The Realisation of Life, and The Religion of Man. The study argues that Tagore constructs an inclusive model of nationalism that transcends territorial politics and emphasizes moral responsibility, intercultural dialogue, and spiritual freedom. His literary philosophy provides an enduring framework for understanding nationalism beyond exclusionary identity politics.
Shital Prakash Maind (Thu,) studied this question.