Changes in historiographical methods and emergence of new sub-disciplines (subaltern, post-structuralism, multiculturalism, post-colonial, among others) have reduced the footprint of Radhakrishnan’s influence. If he is remembered, at all, it is as a philosopher of Vedanta and India’s president.

While this writer knew of Radhakrishnan’s stature as a widely sought-after speaker-thinker of his era, he had rarely been a moralising scold. Yet, that is precisely what he came across as in that essay where he chastises Europe for the Great War, which was brought about thanks to a patchwork of self-interest and miscalculations, yet which he insisted was: “The penalty which Europe pays for its steadfast loyalty to a false ideal.” For paying homage to the false godhead of realpolitik.