The Indian J¯ati and the European Nation:
The Twins-Unlike Concepts of Mega-Tribal Level
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University of Warsaw; Collegium Civitas
Publication date: 2012-07-09
Polish Sociological Review 2012;178(2):167-186
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ABSTRACT
XXI Century requires new approach to mutual relations of civilizations, if we wish to avoid the
fate predicted by Samuel Huntington. We have to study carefully and without prejudice our respective
achievements and see whether we can run better each our own civilization. One such case is Europe and
India or better the whole of South Asia. An oxymoron definition of their mutual relationship is suggested.
They are “twins-unlike” civilizations, being similar on many counts but dissimilar as their ‘personalities’
go. The most fascinating confrontation in their respect is provided by comparison of two social entities: the
European ‘nation’ and the India ‘caste’ as well as umma and qaum. The conclusion of this comparison is
strikingly political. European Union could solve its problems with supra-national integration if Europeans
remodel their sense of mega-tribal identity putting more stress on competence of their respective nations
as the main national identity factor while the peoples of South Asia could solve the problem of painful
division of the Subcontinent by bestowing paraphernalia of sovereignty upon the constituent parts of both
India and Pakistan.