| This study examines the evolution of ideas and opinions about India in the United States, and evaluates their impact on America's relationship with India. It traces the development of American thought on India from the 1920s to the 1950s. The crucial period began in 1942 when the British sent the Cripps Mission to negotiate with the Indian nationalists. At this time American official and popular interest converged on India as never before. Consequently, India was comprehensively studied and reported, and the perceptions formulated became politically meaningful. British representations of India played a major role in influencing American views. However, opinions of American journalists, writers, officials and intellectuals became critical in establishing a distinctively American reading of India.;Before the outbreak of the Second World War American observers had generally concurred with the British view of India. However, during the period of the war various strains of thought emerged ranging from opposition to British imperialism to the promotion of American interests. Nevertheless, an overpowering image of India had been established in the United States. India became synonymous with the Hindu--driven by its religion, caste system and a Hindu mentality--breeding passive, otherworldly and hierarchical traditions. Indian nationalism was confined within this image. India continued to be studied from this perspective even when the Americans reassessed their own objectives.;This study, while focusing on America and India, is situated in the broader context of western perceptions of non-western cultures. It illustrates the difficulties in overcoming deeply embedded habits of perceiving other cultures. |
