Abstract

Though an increased historical awareness was among the new ideas comprising Indian nationalism, not all leaders shared the same perception of that past. Nehru had no single system of thought but his historical writings show the influence of both Marxist and liberal humanism. He adopted much of the Marxist rhetoric and used concepts such as the polarity of opposing forces. Nehru was concerned not with the role of individuals in history, but with the daily lives, values, and tradition of civilizations. He also considered economics the primary causal factor in history. Yet, Nehru had been heavily influenced by Gandhi and could not subscribe to the violence implicit in the Marxist resolution of conflict. He held mixed views on capitalism. Nehru understood its potential benefit to human welfare, but he also believed that it generates a decline in the spirit of a civilization far more destructive than foreign attack