Abstract
This essay explores the relationship to the Second World War of two famous and rarely compared Indian nationalists, M.K Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo. Both Gandhi and Sri Aurobindo had deep considerations about the advent of the Second World War and its potential impact on India. Yet their views diverged completely on whether India should enter the war, on the issue of non-violence, and whether war itself was ever justifiable. This essay traces the historical development of Gandhi’s and Sri Aurobindo’s responses to the Second World War. It interrogates their viewpoints on the war, the ideas behind them, and the justification they find for them. It examines how the difference in their perspectives brings sharply into focus an age-old dilemma in Indian philosophy: that is how to act in accordance with cosmic reality in the face of the potential of war. Finally, it looks at the lasting legacy of their unique and distinct contributions to our evolving world.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
