Indian Anthropology: Anthropological Discourse in Bombay, 1886-1936

Indian Anthropology: Anthropological Discourse in Bombay 1886–1936 is a significant contribution to the history of Indian anthropology, focusing on the late nineteenth century when the discipline was emerging. It highlights the overlooked contributions of Bombay Presidency anthropologists, including Indians from various backgrounds, and explores the political economy of knowledge production. The book is divided into three parts and covers the history, methodology, and theoretical analysis of ethnographic facts. It provides valuable insights into contemporary conflicts and social issues and is relevant to students and researchers of anthropology, sociology, public administration, modern history, and demography.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 160 pages
Publication date: 25 September 2023
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Indian Anthropology: Anthropological Discourse in Bombay 1886–1936 is a significant contribution to the history of Indian anthropology, particularly focusing on its formative years. It delves into the political economy of knowledge production and the anthropological discourse in Bombay during the late nineteenth century. This seminal work highlights the previously overlooked and undervalued contributions of Bombay Presidency anthropologists, many of whom were Indians from diverse backgrounds, including lawyers, civil servants, and men of religion, long before professional anthropology was introduced in India. The other contributions in this volume come from pioneers from Bengal, Punjab, and the United Provinces, all British administrators who later became scholars.

The book is organized into three parts: Part I explores six contributions on the history of the development of anthropology in India, Part II discusses four contributions on methodology and collecting ethnographic data, and Part III explores four contributions on theoretical analysis of ethnographic facts. The roots of numerous contemporary conflicts and social issues can be traced back to this crucial period of anthropology in India.

This book is invaluable for students and researchers in anthropology, sociology, public administration, modern history, and demography. It also holds interest for civil servants, students of history, Indian culture and society, religions, colonial history, law, and South Asia studies.

Weight: 453g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032113685