The Cunning of Nehru: vision and strategy in the making of the Hindu reform law
The paper belongs to the field of comparative institutional genealogies. Its title is derived from Martin Hollis’ book, “The Cunning of Reason,” which proposes a theory of individual, rational action by world historical leaders alongside an analysis of institutions but cautions its readers however,...
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| Main Authors: | , |
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| Format: | Article (Journal) |
| Language: | English |
| Published: |
2025
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| In: |
India review
Year: 2025, Volume: 24, Issue: 5, Pages: 514-536 |
| ISSN: | 1557-3036 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/14736489.2025.2597545 |
| Online Access: | Verlag, lizenzpflichtig, Volltext: https://doi.org/10.1080/14736489.2025.2597545
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| Author Notes: | Subrata K. Mitra and Jivanta Schottli |
| Summary: | The paper belongs to the field of comparative institutional genealogies. Its title is derived from Martin Hollis’ book, “The Cunning of Reason,” which proposes a theory of individual, rational action by world historical leaders alongside an analysis of institutions but cautions its readers however, that the combined effects of individual choices are full of surprises. Applied to this paper, Prime Minister Jawaharlal Nehru, the founding father of the Indian republic, is examined as a tactical player in domestic Indian politics and the strategic thinking behind his decisions and molding of national debate, specifically on the issue of the Hindu Code (the reform of Hindu Law), is explored. With the passing of the four Hindu Code Bills in the mid-fifties, it is argued, an institutional form took shape which had long-term implications for the trajectory of the Indian secular state and its persistent anomalies. Keeping in mind Hollis’ caution regarding unintended consequences, the paper explores the shaping of Jawaharlal Nehru’s institutional legacy and longer-term implications, particularly for communal polarization. |
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| Item Description: | Elektronische Reproduktion der Druckausgabe, online veröffentlicht: 19. Februar 2026 Gesehen am 18.03.2026 |
| Physical Description: | Online Resource |
| ISSN: | 1557-3036 |
| DOI: | 10.1080/14736489.2025.2597545 |