On Being Indian : The Organic Intellectual, Mystical Poetry, And Lineages Of Indian Rationalism

On Being Indian: The Organic Intellectual, Mystical Poetry, and Lineages of Indian Rationalism by Amit Chaudhuri is an essay that examines questions of identity, citizenship, politics and culture in contemporary India. Originally delivered as a talk at Jamia Millia Islamia University in New Delhi and later published as an essay, the book reflects on the protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act in 2020 and explores what these events reveal about the idea of being Indian.

Combining political reflection, intellectual history and literary criticism, Amit Chaudhuri considers how Indian thought has developed through diverse traditions of reasoning, creativity and social engagement. The book challenges simple divisions between the secular and the religious while exploring the voices and ideas that emerge beyond conventional academic spaces.

About This Book

On Being Indian: The Organic Intellectual, Mystical Poetry, and Lineages of Indian Rationalism presents a thoughtful examination of the events, debates and ideas surrounding the Citizenship Amendment Act protests. Rather than offering a purely journalistic account, Amit Chaudhuri uses the moment as a starting point to reflect on larger questions of identity, democracy and cultural expression.

The essay draws connections between political events, literary traditions and intellectual histories, exploring how Indian rationalism, mystical poetry and everyday forms of thought contribute to conversations about society. It considers the role of thinkers who emerge from varied backgrounds and challenge established ways of understanding public life.

What You'll Discover

• Reflections on the Citizenship Amendment Act protests of 2020.
• Questions surrounding identity and the meaning of being Indian.
• The relationship between politics, culture and intellectual history.
• An exploration of secular and religious categories.
• Connections between mystical poetry and Indian rationalist traditions.
• A literary and philosophical approach to contemporary issues.

Perfect For

• Readers interested in Indian politics and society.
• Students of culture, literature and intellectual history.
• Readers exploring ideas of identity and citizenship.
• Those interested in Amit Chaudhuri’s essays and criticism.

Why You'll Love This Book

On Being Indian: The Organic Intellectual, Mystical Poetry, and Lineages of Indian Rationalism offers a nuanced meditation on contemporary India through the combined perspectives of politics, literature and cultural history. Amit Chaudhuri presents a rigorous yet imaginative exploration of how people understand identity, ideas and belonging.