Encyclopaedia of Eminent Thinkers: The Political Thought of Mahadev Govind Ranade

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This volume presents a critical evaluation of political thought of Mahadev Govind Ranade. Providing deep insight into his life and achievements, it discusses at length the factors that shaped his ideology and perception. Giving a detailed account of his theory of the state, it also deals with his economic ideas, his contribution towards social reforms, and his study of the history of the Marathas.

Dr. (Miss) Ashu Pasricha is a faculty in Gandhian Studies at Panjab University, Chandigarh. She has many books to her credit including Gandhian Approach to Integrated Rural Development; Public Administration: Discipline and Dimensions; Peace Studies: Discipline and Dimensions; WTO, Self-reliance and Globalisation; and Gandhi's Concept of State and Power. Also, she has published a number of research papers in various Indian and foreign journals of repute.

Justice Mahadev Govind Ranade (1842-1901) was one of the greatest and most representative Indians of his time. He was an erudite scholar, a profound thinker, a devoted patriot, and a distinguished official. In the last quarter of the nineteenth century, India was passing through a social and cultural ferment. Men emerging from the newly started universities became conscious of national degeneration, and several of them were eager to transform the country in all aspects of its life: religious, cultural, social, economic and political. It was this eagerness for all-sided reform of society which Ranade represented in the fullest measure. His splendid talents, his unrivalled attainments, his learning, his scholarship, his balanced mind, his clear judgement, his capacity for comprehensive views, his indomitable energy and his indefatigable industry marked him out as a leader of men; while his high character, his absolute honesty of purpose, his boundless patriotism, his lofty ideals, his moderation, his patience, and his exalted sense of duty-which never swerved from its task and knew no aim-save that of serving his country, inspired confidence and won for him the enthusiastic attachment and devotion of his fellow-workers and followers.

His broad, comprehensive and brilliant intellectual power, his profound knowledge, gigantic industry and ethereal magnetism were all dedicated to the loyal service of the country. No other thoughts ever touched his mind but those of how this land of the Aryas could be rendered beautiful in all aspects, how it could progress step by step in all respects-social, political, religious, moral, industrial or educational and how the men and women in our community could acquire all the qualities necessary for such progress. Such patriotism and such faith in efforts for the uplift of a nation are rare indeed, in any country.

**Contents and Sample Pages**