The concept of a nation encompasses a collective of individuals who share commonalities such as language, culture, history, ethnicity, territory, or societal norms, in contrast to those residing outside its demarcated borders. An essential aspect of defining a nation is its distinction from external groups. This delineation lends fluidity to the term “nation,” allowing it to be applied to various contexts, such as delineating a specific region within a country, like Maharashtra or Tamil Nadu or any other state of India, each with distinct cultural identities in relation to other states within the republic. Similarly, the term can be extended to denote the entirety of a political entity, such as India, vis-à-vis its neighboring countries like Pakistan or Bangladesh, based on its unique socio-cultural attributes. Furthermore, this conceptual framework can be expanded to encompass broader geographical or historical regions, such as the Indian Subcontinent with its distinct natural frontiers, historically referred to as Hind, characterized by its unique cultural and historical heritage distinct from its neighboring regions like Persia, Tibet, and Burma, lying beyond its natural confines.
Civilization State: Defining Nations Beyond Conventional Boundaries
So, what truly defines a nation? There must be a deeper essence to this concept beyond the conventional factors we have thus far considered. This additional dimension revolves around how inhabitants of a region identify themselves in contrast to those outside their borders, and their collective willingness to unite as a cohesive entity against external forces. This unity in purpose, standing together for a common cause, emerges as the pivotal criterion that distinguishes a nation, transcending mere nation-state boundaries and culminating in a holistic and robust notion known as a civilization Super-State.
A contemporary exemplar of this concept is NATO, a coalition that binds together various Western democracies under a comprehensive umbrella. Within this union, individual nation-states pledge mutual support and solidarity in the face of external threats that jeopardize their distinctive ways of life. This exemplifies how the shared commitment to safeguarding their collective interests forms the cornerstone of a Super-Nation’s identity, expanding beyond the geographical confines of a Nation-State to encompass a broader sense of unity and purpose and thus may be termed a Judio-Christian-Civilization State, or simply as Western-Civilization-State.
At the heart of establishing this Civilization-State lies a profound maturity of thought among its constituent nation-states. This maturity leads each nation-state to recognize that in the face of an external threat, the downfall of one would inevitably cascade to the detriment of all. Consequently, the most assured and optimal strategy for collective survival is unity—to stand shoulder to shoulder as a unified front. This realization underscores a fundamental principle: that shared strength and solidarity among diverse entities are indispensable for resilience and continuity in the face of potential challenges or adversities.
Legacy of Unity: The Chakravarti Emperors and the Civilization State Vision of Hind
The idea of conceptualizing Hind as an expansive Civilization-State has deep roots in Indian history, tracing its origins to the earliest epochs of Indian civilization. This notion found tangible expression through the concept of the Chakravarti Emperors, the illustrious figures who not only garnered acclaim as heroic unifiers of Indian Subcontinent across its diverse regions but also attained enduring legendary status. Their legacy, revered through the ages, is immortalized in various odes that underscore their timeless significance within Indian cultural narratives, symbolizing a grand, unified civilization.
Moreover, this concept of a united Bharata transcended individual rulers, as evidenced during pivotal historical moments like the 8th Century AD, when a coalition of sovereign rulers united against apocalyptic Islamic Caliphate’s incursions. This coalition exemplifies the enduring spirit of unity and collective defense in the face of external threats, reflecting the cohesive ethos that has long defined Bharat as a strong and resilient Civilization State. The last and the most glorious manifestations of this Civilization State emerged as the Greeks marched into India after the collapse of the Mauryan Empire in the 2nd Century BCE. The Piyushmitra, the Legendary Emperor of Magdha not only repelled these invaders but also conducted the last ever Ashwamedha Yagna and became the last recorded Chakrawarti Emperor of Civilization State Bharata.
History also attests to the reality that whenever the people of Bharata neglected their collective responsibility towards India and prioritized self-interest, the nation faltered in the face of foreign invasions. The loss of frontier regions, whether at the Khyber Pass in the far west or along the shores of the Bay of Bengal, illustrates this point vividly. As foreign forces breached the frontiers of mainland India, they swiftly overwhelmed the region and its individual Nation-States.
Unifying Hind: Fostering Peace and Prosperity Across the Subcontinent
Contemplating the essence of perceiving the entire subcontinent as a unified region reveals a profound truth about fostering peace and prosperity across the expanse. Positioned at the core of this vast region is India, a cohesive entity deeply intertwined with its rich history, vibrant culture, and bolstered by formidable defense capabilities, and a robust economy aimed at securing stability for its populace. However, amidst this assurance lies a crucial question that demands our introspection—can we afford to be content with safeguarding our own safety while neglecting the fate of neighboring nations within our subcontinent?
Should we allow them to languish, potentially becoming pawns in the hands of external forces? Or should we actively engage and collaborate with these nations to ensure their stability and security? History serves as a poignant reminder of the consequences of such neglect. The fall of Kabul in the 11th century paved the way for the collapse of Hind to Islamic forces, while the loss of Bengal in the 18th century led to the downfall of our entire Civilization-State, transforming a once-thriving region comprising 1/3rd of the world economy into one plagued by poverty.
We must acknowledge that the destinies of Nepal, Sri Lanka, Pakistan, and others are intertwined with ours. Allowing them to falter risks opening the gates to influences that could undermine our collective pride and security. Today, the looming presence of communist China underscores the urgency of this cooperation. The potential collapse of any nation within Hind to the ambitions of China’s global domination poses a direct threat to the Indian republic, jeopardizing our prosperity and well-being. Therefore, it is imperative for India to rise to the occasion and assume the role of a central force within the entire subcontinent, acting as a unifying entity akin to the role the US plays in the Western world.
In the forthcoming article, we will explore the challenges and hurdles that may hinder the realization of this super-civilizational state. We will also propose strategies and alternatives to unite all nations within Hind. Interestingly, the term “Hind” itself serves as an apt acronym defining this envisioned super state—Hindustan Indispensable Natural Dominion.
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