Dr Pardeep Singh Bali
Akhand Bharat is not only an idea but a well thought determined goal. All those who consider partition as unalterable pillar, are misguided and illusioned. Such views are only reflection of lack of staunch love towards Motherland
-Pandit Deen Dayal Upadhyay
The idea of Akhand Bharat, meaning “Undivided India,” envisions a cohesive Indian subcontinent, encompassing present-day India as well as territories that are currently part of neighboring countries. While opinions on this idea may vary, this passage examines various rationales for India’s promotion of Akhand Bharat, emphasizing the potential advantages of fostering unity and preserving cultural continuity.
India has a rich and diverse history that extends beyond its current borders. The concept of Akhand Bharat emphasizes the shared historical and cultural heritage of the Indian subcontinent. By promoting this concept, India can celebrate and preserve its centuries-old connections with regions that were historically part of the Indian cultural tapestry. This recognition of shared history fosters a sense of unity and strengthens cultural ties among the diverse populations of the subcontinent. A unified subcontinent under the concept of Akhand Bharat can facilitate enhanced economic cooperation and development. By removing political barriers and promoting economic integration, India can tap into the vast economic potential of the entire region. Shared infrastructure projects, trade agreements, and investment opportunities can flourish, leading to increased economic growth, job creation, and improved living standards for the people of the subcontinent.
The concept of Akhand Bharat promotes regional stability and peace by fostering stronger bonds among nations. Historical conflicts and animosities can be addressed through dialogue, cooperation, and the shared pursuit of common goals. By building bridges of understanding and inclusiveness, India can play a crucial role in promoting peace and stability in the region, ensuring a secure environment for economic and social progress.
According to certain writers and historians, the concept of Akhand Bharat dates back to the ancient Sanatan Bharatiya civilization and finds its mention in ancient Bharatiya scriptures. During the 3rd century BC, the Indian subcontinent, encompassing present-day Afghanistan, Pakistan, Nepal, Burma, Tibet, Bhutan, and Bangladesh, was fragmented into numerous independent kingdoms. Chanakya also advocated for the idea of Akhand Bharat, wherein all states in the region would come under a single authority, rule, and administration. Vinayak Damodar Savarkar, further developed the notion of Akhand Bharat and emphasized the cultural, religious, and political unity of Hindus, along with the idea of a Hindu Rashtra (Hindu Nation). During the Indian Independence Movement, Kanaiyalal Manilklal Munshi voiced his support for Akhand Bharat.
Akhand Bharat provides a platform for addressing separatist movements and regional tensions. By embracing the idea of a unified subcontinent, India can engage in constructive dialogue and negotiations with various groups seeking autonomy or independence. This approach promotes inclusivity, encourages peaceful resolutions, and helps address grievances within the framework of a united Indian subcontinent.
Promoting the concept of Akhand Bharat encourages cultural exchange and the celebration of diversity. India, with its rich traditions and practices, can foster cultural continuity by facilitating the exchange of ideas, arts, literature, and religious practices within the subcontinent. This promotes mutual understanding, tolerance, and respect for different cultures, leading to a vibrant and harmonious coexistence.
Shyamlal Yadav, in an article ‘RSS and the idea of Akhand Bharat’ published in Indian Express, dated January 2016, stated that M S Golwalkar, the RSS’ second Sarsanghchalak, at a press conference in Delhi on August 24, 1949, termed Pakistan an “uncertain state” and stated “If partition is a settled fact, we are here to unsettle it. There is, in fact, no such thing as a ‘settled fact’ in this world. Things get settled or unsettled solely by the will of man. And man’s will is steeled by a spirit of dedication to a cause, which he knows to be righteous and glorious.” However, it is important to note that these arguments may not be universally accepted, and there are valid counterarguments and concerns associated with the concept of Akhand Bharat. Recently, many political leaders of Nepal, across party lines, jumped to the social media to express their resentment over the mural of the Indian subcontinent landmass in the newly inaugurated Parliament building. They interpreted the mural as a map of Akhand Bharat or undivided India, which shows Lumbini, the birth place of Gautama Buddha, as a part of India.
While some proponents of Akhand Bharat argue for a cultural or historical unity, it is important to consider the reasons why Nepal objects to this concept. Nepal is a sovereign nation with its own history, culture, and identity. The concept of Akhand Bharat undermines Nepal’s sovereignty by suggesting that it should be part of a larger Indian state. Nepal has fought for and earned its independence and self-governance, and it has the right to determine its own destiny. It is a diverse nation with a rich tapestry of cultures, languages, and ethnic groups. Embracing the concept of Akhand Bharat would ignore and diminish the unique cultural heritage and identities of the Nepali people. Nepal values and protects its cultural diversity, and it should have the autonomy to do so.
Moreover, Nepal and India have an important relationship as neighboring countries. While there have been historical and cultural connections between the two nations, it is crucial to respect each other’s sovereignty and work towards fostering a relationship based on mutual understanding, cooperation, and respect for each other’s boundaries. Pertinently, showing respect to this age-old relationship, Indian Prime Minister, Narendra Modi and his Nepali counterpart announced that the dispute would be resolved in a spirit of friendship and through the established diplomatic mechanisms.
It can be concluded by saying that while the concept of Akhand Bharat may evoke varying responses, India can benefit from promoting this vision of a united subcontinent. By emphasizing historical and cultural unity, promoting economic cooperation, fostering regional stability, addressing separatist movements, and encouraging cultural exchange, India can contribute to a stronger, more prosperous, and peaceful region.
(Author is a Lecturer in the Department of
Journalism and Media Studies, University of Jammu)
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