Which one of the following political theorists find the concept of 'imagined community' inadequate to describe nationalism in post-colonial societies?

The correct answer is 'Partha Chatterjee'

Key Points

• Partha Chatterjee:
  • Partha Chatterjee is a prominent political theorist who has critiqued the concept of 'imagined community' as proposed by Benedict Anderson.
  • He argues that the idea of 'imagined community' is inadequate to describe nationalism in post-colonial societies because it does not account for the unique experiences and historical contexts of these nations.
  • Chatterjee emphasizes the distinct nature of post-colonial nationalism, which often involves a complex interplay of traditional and modern elements that are not fully captured by Anderson's framework.

Additional Information

• Hans Cohn:
  • Hans Cohn is known for his work on nationalism, but he does not specifically critique the concept of 'imagined community' in the context of post-colonial societies.
• V.R. Mehta:
  • V.R. Mehta has made significant contributions to political theory, particularly in the Indian context, but he has not been noted for critiquing the concept of 'imagined community' as it relates to post-colonial nationalism.