ABSTRACT
This chapter focuses on the analysis of the conceptualisation of the nation envisaged by Gokhale, especially after his coming to the national political fore following his election at the Imperial Council. Special attention is given to the several elements that constituted Gokhale's national vision, namely how he understood the role of the (colonial) state, the meaning of ‘Indian’ culture and tradition, the vision of society, and the task of the nation-builder, while highlighting the inherent contradictions in his efforts to strike a balance between being critical of and loyal to the British Raj. The chapter also demonstrates that Gokhale increasingly regarded nationalism as a form of civic religion. Finally, it examines Gokhale's dichotomising understanding of the educated elite and the ignorant masses and analyses his stand towards the ‘emergence’ of the Muslim community as well as his increasing concern for the Depressed Classes.
