The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity

The Bhagavad Gītā is a 700-verse Hindu scripture that is part of the Indian epic Mahābhārata. Sen discusses the Gītā to illustrate the tradition of moral and philosophical debate in ancient India. The text’s dialogue between Prince Arjuna and the god Krishna, addressing duty and morality, reflects the complex ethical discussions that are a hallmark of Indian intellectual history. At the foundations of Indian culture and religion is a text centering around debate.

The caste system is a traditional form of social stratification in India. In Sen’s analysis, the caste system represents historical inequality within Indian society. Yet, he suggests that India’s argumentative tradition and heterodox philosophies like Buddhism and Jainism have historically provided platforms for questioning and challenging such inequalities.

The charka, or spinning wheel, is a tool used for spinning thread or yarn from natural or synthetic fibers. Gandhi adopted it as a symbol of Indian self-reliance and resistance to British economic policies. Sen contrasts Tagore’s pragmatic criticism of the charka’s economic inefficiency with Gandhi’s symbolic and moral appreciation for it, reflecting their differing ideologies.