Abstract

The Gandhian ontology of modern India that began from the colonial exploitation was deeply epistemic with recent memories. Gandhi did not supplement any apocryphal lost memories to nurture a national consciousness, but politicised the reality of imperialist oppression that was indifferent to all religions in India. In the first part of my essay, I describe the uniqueness and limitations of Gandhian perception of India vis-à-vis his notion of the West. Then, I narrate a myth of Bhaṭṭoji Dīkṣita and put forth my inferences. Finally, I use the logic of the myth of Bhaṭṭoji Dīkṣita to explain why the idea of Hindu Rāṣṭra is unrealistic, and how the Gandhian ontology is cautious of its muddled roots and not depreciative of its diverse routes.