Indian National Character in the Twentieth Century

Abstract

Indian national character in the twentieth cen tury is here examined in the historical context of long political subjugation, the value system, the social structure, and the so cialization process. Of particular importance was the experi ence of conquest first under the Muslims, then under the Brit ish. The collective "inferiority complex" generated in these historical circumstances is confirmed and reinforced by some features of family and caste. Salient traits of Indian character which have resulted have included absence of commitment, a peculiar identification with the mother, a peculiar attitude to ward authority, and various contradictions in the Indian per sonality.