The essence of Indian nationalism, as discussed by Niall Ferguson in his book "Empire: How Britain Made the Modern World," highlights a critical nuance in its motivation. Instead of being driven solely by the widespread poverty affecting the majority, the movement was largely a reaction against the inequality and privilege enjoyed by a small elite. This suggests that a significant aspect of nationalism was the desire for greater equity and the dismantling of existing hierarchies that benefited only a few.

This perspective invites us to rethink the origins of nationalism in India, where the struggles of the masses were intertwined with a broader desire to challenge the socio-economic disparities that colonial rule had exacerbated. By focusing on the rejection of privilege, Ferguson sheds light on the complexities of Indian nationalist sentiment, emphasizing that it was not merely a quest for independence, but also a fight for social justice and redistribution of power.