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This study analyses three interpretations of Gītā that were published during the first half of the 20th century: those of Tilak, Gandhi and Ambedkar. The analysis begins with a narrative that explains the process that took place between 1785 and 1882, through which Gītā achieved the reputation of being the most representative book of the Hindus. From then on, Gītā was interpreted by Indian leaders for their own political purposes. Thus, Tilak emphasized the principles of ‘just war’ to rationalize revolutionary violence against British rule of India. Gandhi, who opposed all forms of violence, reinterpreted the Gītā as a text of non-violence. Ambedkar, one of Gandhi’s strongest rivals, warned against the conservative social philosophy present in the Gītā, as he felt that the text justified the social caste system. While Tilak’s and Ambedkar’s interpretations were textually sustainable, Gandhi’s was less so. However, Gandhi insisted on the correctness of his interpretation. Such insistence resulted in his interpretation of the Gītā eclipsing the textual intent. |
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