Communism, Subaltern Studies and Postcolonial Theory: The Left in South India

This book explores the communist movement in Kerala, India, and its implications for other postcolonial societies. It analyzes the transformation brought about by the communist movement and engages with key theoretical concepts in postcolonial theory and Subaltern Studies. It discusses important thematic moments in Keralas communist history, such as its establishment of hegemony, cultural interventions, land reforms, and democratic decentralization project. The volume contributes to scholarship on democracy and modernity in the Global South and is of interest to scholars and researchers in politics, development studies, postcolonial theory, Subaltern Studies, Global South Studies, and South Asia Studies.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 438 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This book is a comprehensive and thematic exploration of the communist movement in Kerala, a historic region that holds the distinction of being the first in the world to democratically elect a communist government. It delves into the profound transformation that the communist movement has brought about in Kerala, examining its nature and potential implications for other postcolonial societies. The volume engages with key theoretical concepts in postcolonial theory and Subaltern Studies, contributing to the ongoing debate between Marxism and postcolonial theory.

The book offers a fresh empirical perspective on these theoretical critiques, particularly in the context of their extensive scholarship in India. It explores significant thematic moments in Kerala's communist history, including the establishment of its hegemony, cultural interventions, land reforms, workers' rights, and the democratic decentralization project. Additionally, it examines the incomplete national-popular project of communism and its significant failures in addressing the caste question.

This volume makes a substantial contribution to the field of scholarship on democracy and modernity in the Global South. It will be of great interest to scholars and researchers specializing in politics, political theory, democracy and political participation, political sociology, development studies, postcolonial theory, Subaltern Studies, Global South Studies, and South Asia Studies. The book provides valuable insights into the complexities of political systems, social movements, and the challenges of achieving social justice in diverse contexts.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032050553