Who Needs the Federation? Lala Har Dayal and the Hindu Right in a Decolonizing World
Abstract
Abstract: This article traces the intellectual journey of twentieth-century nationalist, Har Dayal, into an ardent champion of the world-state, as a way of exploring whose interests were served by federations, world governments, and other alternatives to the nation-state in a decolonizing British Empire. Dayal, the article illustrates, was a minor political thinker whose ideas were not up to scratch who proffered bizarre solutions to challenging political issues. Consequently, he is an easily dismissible figure in the modern intellectual landscape. The article asks how disorderly and undisciplined thinkers like him can serve as serious subjects for global intellectual history.
Fields of Study & Subjects
Colonial History and Postcolonial Studies
Indian History and Philosophy
Political Theory and Influence
Publication details
- Journal / source
- Journal of the History of Ideas
- Volume
- 87
- Issue
- 1
- Pages
- 131–156
- Publication date
- 1 January 2026
- Language
- EN