Research

The Nexus of Anthropology, Religion, and Politics: Verrier Elwin, Hindu Nationalism, and the Anti-Christian Sentiment in Central India

The Nexus of Anthropology, Religion, and Politics: Verrier Elwin, Hindu Nationalism, and the Anti-Christian Sentiment in Central India

In the last decade, attacks on Christians have increased exponentially across India and more so in Central India. In December 2022, a fact-finding committee visited Chhattisgarh upon reports of violence, they noted that between 9th and 18th December, 18 villages in Narayanpur and 15 villages in Kondagaon were attacked, which displaced around 1000 Christian Adivasis. They also traced the systematic disenfranchisement and cultural subjugation of Adivasi converts in the area. (Chattisgarh Bacaho Andolan, 2022). The organisations linked to the Sangh Parivar that carry out these attacks gain certain legitimacy through the proliferation of the discourse of ‘de-nationalisation’. (Jaffrelot, 2011). This discourse considers Christianity and Islam to be foreign religions which have been spread either by the fear of force or incitement of greed.  To shed light on the history of the proliferation of this discourse, specifically in Central India, this article will investigate the role that anthropologist Verrier Elwin, nationalists, and Hindu revivalists played in solidifying this discourse. To do so, this article will reflect upon the socio-political conditions, the debates in anthropology, and how they were complimenting each other during the decades leading to and following Indian independence.

Environmental Jurisprudence in India: Tracing the Trajectory

Environmental Jurisprudence in India: Tracing the Trajectory

This piece explores the trajectory of how law and courts have looked at the problem of environmental protection or lack thereof vis-à-vis its relation to the questions of tribal rights and displacement, conservation and livelihood, Forest Rights Act (FRA), Forest Conservation Act (FCA), Compensatory Afforestation Fund Management and Planning Authority (CAMPA), Environmental Impact Assessment (EIA), and the issue of post-facto clearance. There also emerges the central question of why environmental jurisprudence in India still remains an inconsistent and selective one? But the question also arises of fixing responsibilities and giving penalties for the violations of environmental norms, especially in the time of financialisation of forests and resources, but also of financialisation of punishments and crimes.

The Question of Centre and Periphery in Indian Novel with Special Reference to Meesa (Moustache)

The Question of Centre and Periphery in Indian Novel with Special Reference to Meesa (Moustache)

Decentring the Centre-Periphery Concept

The postcolonial theory includes the study of unbalanced power relations, which emphatically produced the binary conception of centre and periphery, where the centre is often regarded as hegemonic and progressive, but by contrast, the periphery is assigned the negative qualities of barbarism, oppression, and exploitation. This unbalanced power hierarchy created geographical, cultural, and economic peripheries by limiting the power to the centre, thus creating a colonised space, or ‘Binarism’, which has a distinctive meaning in post-colonial studies that analyse the oppressive mentality of the coloniser that through imperialistic force, subjugated the native indigenous culture. The French linguist Ferdinand De Saussure used the concept of ‘Binarism’ in Structuralism to establish a Eurocentric perspective of defining a meaning to an object, not in reference to the real object but that of the opposite sign (ironically, assigning the quality of ‘dualism’ or ‘Binarism’ is absent in Asian or Middle Eastern languages, which were mostly colonies of European power, especially Great Britain). This idea of arbitrariness is employed in defining postcolonial countries that were colonised and oppressed with manipulated histories and cultures by the coloniser. This definition is evident in the power construction between the colonised and the coloniser that alienates the native identities and disintegrates them to establish superiority over the colonies by stating a monocentric perspective on language and culture, thus associating European and Anglo-European morals over natives (colonised).

Locating Maulana Kalam Azad at the Intersection of Pan-Islamism and Anti-Colonial Nationalism

Locating Maulana Kalam Azad at the Intersection of Pan-Islamism and Anti-Colonial Nationalism

Maulana Abul Kalam Azad is one of the most celebrated figures of anti-colonial Indian nationalism. He served as the first education minister of independent India under the Prime Ministership of Jawaharlal Nehru. He is credited for modern educational reform and a champion of composite Indian nationalism. His birth anniversary is celebrated as National Education Day for his contribution to establishing the Modern Education System of India. This paper tries to understand the ideas of Maulana Azad, tracing a journey from pan-Islamism to anti-colonial nationalism. At no point is it suggested that pan-Islamism, in the eyes of Maulana Azad and other ideologues, contradicted anti-colonial Indian nationalism. Still, it is evident from the life trajectory of Maulana Azad that he became a staunch nationalist in the later part of his political career with a little element of pan-Islamism which shaped his worldview in the early years of his life. This paper tries to highlight the compatibility between the pan-Islamist ideas of Maulana Azad and broader ideas of anti-colonial Indian nationalism, with a focus on the role of religion in his socio-political ideas. The paper is divided into two parts. First part briefly discusses pan-Islamism as a religio-political ideology propagated by leaders like Jamaluddin Afghani and its impact on Maulana Azad. The second part discussed some critical highlights of Maulana Azad’s contribution to the struggle for Indian independence, which would have emphasis on his role as Congress President and trial under sedition.

Air Quality Monitoring Measures in India

Air Quality Monitoring Measures in India

A detailed analysis of India’s air quality monitoring systems reveals significant differences in the deployment of Continuous Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Systems (CAAQMS) and National Ambient Air Quality Monitoring Programme (NAMP) stations across various states and Union Territories (UTs). This distribution mirrors the strategic focus and allocation of resources for environmental monitoring, which is vital in tackling the complex issues related to air pollution. Notably, states like Maharashtra, Tamil Nadu, and Uttar Pradesh have a higher concentration of CAAQMS. This indicates a deliberate effort to boost real-time air quality monitoring in regions with dense populations and industrial activities. The real-time data provided by these systems in these states is crucial for prompt and effective policy measures to address sudden changes in air quality, thus mitigating the immediate health hazards of air pollution.

The Stoic Resilience of India’s Street Hawkers

The Stoic Resilience of India’s Street Hawkers

In urban areas, women labouring in the informal sector face various challenges resulting from the precariousness of their existence. This article aims to highlight some of their issues by using three examples. These examples comprise of an older woman who operates a makeshift dhaba, a young woman who sets up a stall for her ironing business in a parking lot, and a single mother who runs a thela in a local market. Despite working tirelessly to keep their businesses afloat, as the article will show, these women confront various challenges on the streets. This article explores some dimensions of gendered precarity in urban areas, particularly the one that affects women working in the informal sector. It also explores the issues of gender, marginality, struggle, encroachment, criminality, policies, and the influence of social organisations on women street hawkers in Delhi. It will use the abovementioned examples as they offer diverse informal work assignments. Examining their struggle brings a deeper understanding of their issues and explores potential solutions to support them.

Of Hits and Misses of Inflation Targeting in India

Of Hits and Misses of Inflation Targeting in India

Since the early 1990s, rule-based public policies have gained considerable popularity. In the area of monetary policy, Inflation Targeting (IT) emerged as a new framework which has often been praised and favoured for making price stability a primary objective of monetary policy. Following suit, India also adopted this framework in October 2016 after long preparations on the prerequisite of IT. Under this framework, the Union Government, in consultation with the Reserve Bank of India (RBI), initially fixed the inflation target at   per cent for five years. In March 2021, it was retained for the next five years. But, the question remains, does RBI control the current price surge? Though having a single instrument for a single objective is good, what if the instrument is not optimal? To put it in context, it will result in a situation where the medicine turns worse than a disease.

Ganga’s Revival: A Distant Dream without Reimagining Policy

Ganga’s Revival: A Distant Dream without Reimagining Policy

Ganga is one of the most significant rivers in India. The river has appeared in almost all election campaigns, particularly in the cow belt region. In 2017, when the BJP was campaigning for the Uttar Pradesh elections, its slogan was “Gaon, Gau, Ganga and Gita.” Unfortunately, with Ganga still overloaded with pollutants, all the extensive talks regarding Ganga’s conservation seem like prattle.

Determining Moral Worth and Self-identity in the Age of social media: A Critical Perspective

Determining Moral Worth and Self-identity in the Age of social media: A Critical Perspective

Social Media is seen by many as one, a source of liberation and two, a tool that dictates certain behavioural traits. It also gives some semblance of ‘recognition’ which is elaborated by Hegelian Marxists like Charles Taylor and Axel Honneth. Honneth’s recognition framework provides a useful lens for examining the dynamics of determining moral worth and self-identity in the age of social media. This framework emphasises the role of ‘mutuality and reciprocity’ which makes self-realisation inescapably linked to others. These sites facilitate ‘intersubjective recognition’ providing a democratised space to build on one’s ‘self-esteem.’ This article will analyse how Honneth’s framework of ‘recognition’ helps one explore the influence of these social media platforms in the construction of moral worth and self-identity. Even though these platforms could be the cause of moral injury because of hate comments, hate speech, body shaming, and bullying all of which ‘add insult to injury’there is a great affinity towards being a part of the platforms. Social interaction on these platforms does not always adhere to ‘desirable features’ from the ‘moral point of view’.

The Return of the High Teas and Corset Tops: An Analysis of Bridgerton through the Lens of Adorno’s Culture Industry

The Return of the High Teas and Corset Tops: An Analysis of Bridgerton through the Lens of Adorno’s Culture Industry

Television shows and movies due to their accessibility through over-the-top (OTT) platforms have resulted in the production of a homogenised mass culture wherein shows (specifically Bridgerton in this case) based on the Victorian Era (specifically portrayal of high culture in the era) have brought in a new fetish for clothing and practices of the late nineteenth century. These practices and choices are then exploited by capitalists to produce marketable products based on the demand of the consumers for ‘mass consumption[1]’ and thus facilitating the ‘culture industry.’[2]

The Discourse Around the Emergence of Political Meme Culture in India

The Discourse Around the Emergence of Political Meme Culture in India

Digital culture and the development of digital platforms took new audience by storm. With the advent of social media, a new approach and diaspora of culture emerged and is continuing to do so. ‘Content’ was earlier created for consumption by the audience but with the rise of digital culture, consumers started participating in the creation of content. This was the birth of participatory digital culture- a new approach to content production where the audience was actively involved and tangled in content creation. In participatory culture, the user can be a producer, influencer and consumer of information (Han, 2011).

Indigeneity and Environmental Security: A Gendered Analysis

Indigeneity and Environmental Security: A Gendered Analysis

Indigenous women, despite being pivotal to the sustainability and resilience of their communities, frequently find themselves marginalized and obscured in mainstream discussions on environmental issues. Their unique experiences, intricately woven into the fabric of their cultural and environmental contexts, often go unnoticed. By highlighting the unique experiences of indigenous women and acknowledging their pivotal role in shaping the narrative of indigeneity, environment, and security, this essay aims to recognize the intricate relationship between these characteristics. It delves into specific examples drawn from diverse geographical regions and unique socio-political environment of the Global South to encapsulate a significant set of challenges faced by indigenous women, offering insights into the diverse ways in which they navigate and respond to environmental transformations.

Racialised Desire and Hyper Sexualisation of Asian American Women

Racialised Desire and Hyper Sexualisation of Asian American Women

The Portrayal of Asian Americans in media and popular culture shows discernible differences in how Asin bodies manifest sexual characteristics, either in excessive or deficient quantities. The portrayal of Asian women’s physical forms, particularly in visual mediums like film, often exhibits a hyper-sexualised depiction that underscores their vulnerability to white masculinity and portrays them as either devoid of sexual agency or primarily associated with militaristic endeavours. Asian American women have historically been typecast into several stereotypical roles, including China Doll, Geisha Girl, and Dragon Lady.

Seminar Report

Videos

Muslims in European Citizenry: Distinguished Lecture by Prof. Sindre Bangstad

Centre for Studies of Plural Societies organised an online ‘Distinguished Lecture’ on Muslims in European Citizenry on 10th Oct 2022. The lecture was delivered by Prof. Sindre Banstad, Visiting Professor at Princeton University, New Jersey, US and chaired by Prof. Bhaswati Sarkar, Centre for European Studies, School of International Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi.

Events

Social Media

Prof. Lila Abu-Lughod
Joseph L. Buttenwieser Professor of Social Science
Department of Anthropology Columbia University

The work that CSPS does to promote informed scholarly discussion and debate on crucial issues plaguing our world is impressive. The questions raised at the forum I and my colleagues did with CSPS on our new book, The Cunning of Gender Violence, were thought-provoking and illuminating, giving us new perspectives on how the “Muslim Question” plays out in feminist policies.

Prof Thomas Pogge
Leitner Professor of Philosophy and Prof of Political Science
Yale University

Emphasising exploration and access, the Centre for Studies of Plural Societies is a precious contribution to advanced citizenship. In an era of rapid transformation for India and the world, it engages with competing perspectives of creative scholars in identifying and analysing the most important developments and decision points, including emerging technologies and ideologies, gender relations, group conflicts, and the use of force. In a period of rapid progress and extreme inequality in India, the Centre works hard to make its intellectual work widely accessible to all – from experts and policy makers to ordinary citizens with disparate educational backgrounds. The energy and enthusiasm of its faculty and staff presage a bright future for this young Centre.

Prof Neeti Nair
Professor of History
University of Virginia

The Centre for Studies of Plural Societies (CSPS) is a new and vibrant intellectual space for serious discussion on pluralism and secularism in India today. I was honored to discuss my book here, and greatly moved by the depth of engagement from the students, interns and faculty associated with the Centre. I wish the Centre the very best in its activities in the years to come.

Prof S Irfan Habib
Formerly Maulana Azad Chair
National University of Educational Planning and Administration, New Delhi

It was an honour to be at the vibrant CSPS and share views about my recent book on Maulana Azad. The research profile and other academic activities of the Centre are really impressive and diverse. Any centre of this nature needs to be supported and encouraged through all possible means available. It is a need of the times that the youth should be encouraged to question everything they inherit and not just follow it blindly. I am sure the Centre for the Studies of Plural Societies can play a major role in instilling this spirit among the young.

Dr Manan Ahmed
Associate Professor of History
Columbia University

The Centre for Studies of Plural Societies is doing significant work in reflecting and shaping awareness and dialogue across multiple publics in India. The excellence of their pedagogic mission is clear from their list of internationally renowned scholars from within and outside India who have participated in their programs. The significance of nurturing critical perspectives among young scholars cannot be overstated and CSPS demonstrates an exemplary commitment to this project.

Prof Sunil Mukhi
Honorary Professor Emeritus and Raja Ramanna Chair
Indian Institute of Science Education and Research (IISER) Pune

I had the pleasure of delivering a talk on Academic Ethics at the Centre for Studies of Plural Societies on 24th August 2023 over video link. I found the audience to be attentive and involved. As a result, there was a lot of ensuing discussion where audience members raised very pertinent and interesting questions. The meeting was organised well and I enjoyed interacting with the Institute’s leadership.

Dr Shakila T Shamsu
Educationist & Policy Maker

I would like to congratulate the Centre for Studies of Plural Societies (CSPS) for its sustained work to address the complexities of plural societies. CSPS provides a vital platform for scholars and participants to engage meaningfully with the multifaceted challenges and opportunities inherent in pluralistic societies. Through its diverse array of activities, including insightful book discussions, rigorous workshops, and engaging citizen dialogues, it encourages intellectual rigor, dialogue, and inclusive scholarship.

CSPS’s unwavering commitment to gender inclusivity and empowerment is noteworthy. Its expansion through the Aligarh Chapter, and strategic collaborations with esteemed institutions underscores its efforts to broaden its reach and impact.

I am deeply grateful for the opportunity to engage with CSPS and contribute, in my own small way, to its inspiring mission of fostering dialogue, understanding, and impactful interventions in our plural societies.

Dr Laurence Gautier
Head Researcher
History, Politics and Society
Centre de Sciences Humaines (CSH Delhi)

It was a great pleasure to participate in several book discussions at CSPS. The Centre offers a vibrant platform for both students and scholars to discuss new research works that resonate directly with contemporary debates. One cannot stress enough how important this type of platform is to encourage the circulation and the confrontation of ideas in a plural society. I particularly enjoyed the format of the sessions, that leaves plenty of time both for the presentations and for in-depth discussion with everyone in the room. I also congratulate the Centre for undertaking a range of initiatives aimed directly at students, such as book discussions and research workshops. These are critical initiatives to help students hone their skills and grow as independent minds and future research scholars.

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