Nation-Building in Indian Anthropology: Beyond the Colonial Encounter

Despite the fact that courses on the growth and development of anthropology in India are being taught at the graduate and postgraduate levels, research on the history of anthropological studies in India has not yet been established as a tradition. This book critically reviews existing works and gaps in the history of Indian anthropology and makes a valuable addition to the field of the history of academic disciplines in the context of nation building.

Format: Hardback
Length: 154 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

Despite the fact that courses on the growth and development of anthropology in India are being taught at the graduate and postgraduate levels in the Indian universities and are strongly recommended by the University Grants Commission, research on the history of anthropological studies in India has not yet established itself as a well-established tradition, unlike in Western countries. However, Indian anthropologists have made inspiring and substantial contributions to the major challenges faced by the new nation in the early decades following independence. These challenges include the rehabilitation of refugees after the 1947 Partition and the displacement of people from their homes and land due to the construction of large dams, industrialization, and famines.

This book, the result of years of painstaking research by the author, critically reviews the existing works in the history of Indian anthropology and fills a valuable gap in the field of the history of academic disciplines in the context of nation-building. It is not only a valuable text for students of anthropology and sociology but also a reference work for researchers interested in the history of social sciences and development studies in India.

The study of anthropology in India has a rich and complex history, dating back to the colonial era. However, it was only in the late 20th century that the field began to gain prominence and recognition within the academic community. This was largely due to the efforts of pioneering anthropologists such as Margaret Mead, who conducted extensive fieldwork in India and published widely on the country's culture and society.

Since then, Indian anthropology has grown and diversified, with researchers exploring a wide range of topics and issues. Some of the key areas of research in Indian anthropology include social organization, religion, kinship, gender, and development.

One of the most significant contributions of Indian anthropologists has been their focus on the rehabilitation of refugees and displaced people. Following the partition of India in 1947, millions of people were forced to leave their homes and land, and many faced severe social and economic challenges. Anthropologists have played a crucial role in assisting these communities in rebuilding their lives and adapting to their new environments.

Another important area of research in Indian anthropology has been the impact of industrialization and development on traditional cultures and societies. As India has rapidly urbanized and industrialized in recent decades, many traditional practices and customs have been eroded or lost. Anthropologists have studied the ways of these communities and the ways in which they are adapting to these changes.

In addition to their research on social and cultural issues, Indian anthropologists have also contributed to the field of development studies. They have studied the impact of government policies and programs on marginalized communities and have advocated for social justice and equality.

Despite the progress that has been made in Indian anthropology, there are still challenges and barriers to the field's growth and development. One of the biggest challenges is the lack of institutional support and funding for research. Many anthropologists in India work independently or in small research institutions, and they face difficulties in accessing resources and funding for their work.

Another challenge is the lack of recognition and respect for the field of anthropology in India. Many people in the country still view anthropology as a Western discipline and do not recognize its relevance and importance in the context of Indian society. This can lead to a lack of interest and engagement in the field, and can make it difficult for anthropologists to secure funding and support for their work.

Despite these challenges, Indian anthropology has a bright future. There is a growing recognition of the field's importance and value in India, and there are ongoing efforts to promote and support its growth and development. This includes initiatives to increase institutional support for research, to promote interdisciplinary collaboration, and to increase the visibility and recognition of the field in the wider academic community.

In conclusion, the history of anthropological studies in India is a rich and complex story that has evolved over centuries. While the field has not yet established itself as a well-established tradition, Indian anthropologists have made significant contributions to the major challenges faced by the new nation in the early decades following independence. These contributions include the rehabilitation of refugees and displaced people, the impact of industrialization and development on traditional cultures, and the advocacy for social justice and equality. Despite the challenges and barriers to the field's growth and development, Indian anthropology has a bright future and there are ongoing efforts to promote and support its growth and development.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032377247