Indian Political Theory

Laying the Groundwork for Svaraj

Nonfiction, Social & Cultural Studies, Social Science, Cultural Studies, Ethnic Studies
Cover of the book Indian Political Theory by Aakash Singh Rathore, Taylor and Francis
View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart
Author: Aakash Singh Rathore ISBN: 9781315284194
Publisher: Taylor and Francis Publication: February 24, 2017
Imprint: Routledge Language: English
Author: Aakash Singh Rathore
ISBN: 9781315284194
Publisher: Taylor and Francis
Publication: February 24, 2017
Imprint: Routledge
Language: English

At present, a nativist turn in Indian political theory can be observed. There is a general assumption that the indigenous thought to which researchers are supposed to be (re)turning may somehow be immediately visible by ignoring the colonization of the mind and polity. In such a conception of svaraj (which can be translated as ‘authentic autonomy’), the tradition to be returned to would be that of the indigenous elites.

In this book, this concept of svaraj is defined as a thick conception, which links it with exclusivist notions of spirituality, profound anti-modernity, exceptionalistic moralism, essentialistic nationalism and purism. However, post-independence India has borne witness to an alternative trajectory: a thin svaraj. The author puts forward a workable contemporary ideal of thin svaraj, i.e. political, and free of metaphysical commitment. The model proposed is inspired by B.R. Ambedkar's thoughts, as opposed to the thick conception found in the works of M.K. Gandhi, KC Bhattacharya and Ramachandra Gandhi. The author argues that political theorists of Indian politics continue to work with categories and concepts alien to the lived social and political experiences of India's common man, or everyday people. Consequently, he emphasises the need to decolonize Indian political theory, and rescue it from the grip of western theories, and fascination with western modes of historical analysis. The necessity to avoid both universalism and relativism and more importantly address the political predicaments of ‘the people’ is the key objective of the book, and a push for a reorientation of Indian political theory.

An interesting new interpretation of a contemporary ideal of svaraj, this analysis takes into account influences from other cultures and sources as well as eschews thick conceptions that stifle imaginations and imaginaries. This book will be of interest to academics in the fields of philosophy, political science, sociology, literature and cultural studies in general and contemporary political theory, South Asian and Indian politics and political theory in particular.

View on Amazon View on AbeBooks View on Kobo View on B.Depository View on eBay View on Walmart

At present, a nativist turn in Indian political theory can be observed. There is a general assumption that the indigenous thought to which researchers are supposed to be (re)turning may somehow be immediately visible by ignoring the colonization of the mind and polity. In such a conception of svaraj (which can be translated as ‘authentic autonomy’), the tradition to be returned to would be that of the indigenous elites.

In this book, this concept of svaraj is defined as a thick conception, which links it with exclusivist notions of spirituality, profound anti-modernity, exceptionalistic moralism, essentialistic nationalism and purism. However, post-independence India has borne witness to an alternative trajectory: a thin svaraj. The author puts forward a workable contemporary ideal of thin svaraj, i.e. political, and free of metaphysical commitment. The model proposed is inspired by B.R. Ambedkar's thoughts, as opposed to the thick conception found in the works of M.K. Gandhi, KC Bhattacharya and Ramachandra Gandhi. The author argues that political theorists of Indian politics continue to work with categories and concepts alien to the lived social and political experiences of India's common man, or everyday people. Consequently, he emphasises the need to decolonize Indian political theory, and rescue it from the grip of western theories, and fascination with western modes of historical analysis. The necessity to avoid both universalism and relativism and more importantly address the political predicaments of ‘the people’ is the key objective of the book, and a push for a reorientation of Indian political theory.

An interesting new interpretation of a contemporary ideal of svaraj, this analysis takes into account influences from other cultures and sources as well as eschews thick conceptions that stifle imaginations and imaginaries. This book will be of interest to academics in the fields of philosophy, political science, sociology, literature and cultural studies in general and contemporary political theory, South Asian and Indian politics and political theory in particular.

More books from Taylor and Francis

Cover of the book The Evolution of the Canterbury Tales by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book Aspects of Greek History 750-323BC by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book Religion and Mass Electoral Behaviour in Europe by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book The Child by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book Inquiry into the Future of Lifelong Learning in the UK by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book Human Rights by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book Industrial Disputes Ils 151 by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book National Pasts in Europe and East Asia by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book Attention Deficit Hyperactivity Disorder by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book Tourism in the USA by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book Residential Care Services for the Elderly by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book Parent Partnership Services for Special Educational Needs by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book The Insider's Guide to Legal Skills by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book Social Justice, Global Dynamics by Aakash Singh Rathore
Cover of the book Fighting Poverty and Social Exclusion in the EU by Aakash Singh Rathore
We use our own "cookies" and third party cookies to improve services and to see statistical information. By using this website, you agree to our Privacy Policy