ABSTRACT

This volume examines the multiple forms of reasoning in Indian politics and explores a framework to understand them. In the process, it looks at a series of issues involving the relationship between politics and philosophy, including the status of political theory, political practices, identity politics, and political ontology. The book argues that in the years leading up to and soon after independence, the task of conceptualizing politics was largely in the domain of practising politicians who built theories and philosophical methods, and further took those visions into the practice of their politics. It maintains that Indian politicians since then have not been as inclined to articulate their theories or methods of politics.

This book traces the transition from philosopher politicians to politicians seeking philosophy in Indian polity in the post-independence era and its implications for current practices. It views Indian political philosophy from the standpoints of political theorists, philosophers, and practitioners. With expert and scholarly contributions, this volume will be of interest to students and researchers of Indian political thought and political philosophy, social sciences, and humanities.

chapter 1|22 pages

On the ‘Why’ of Indian Politics

ByNarendar Pani, Anshuman Behera

part I|46 pages

On Indian Political Theory

chapter 2|31 pages

The Poverty of Indian Political Theory†

ByBhikhu Parekh

chapter 3|13 pages

Further Thoughts on Contemporary Indian Political Theory

ByBhikhu Parekh

part II|83 pages

Three Philosopher Politicians

chapter 4|17 pages

On the Idea of ‘Mahatma’

Revisiting the poverty of Indian political theory
ByA. Raghuramaraju

chapter 5|44 pages

What is Living and what is Dead in Rammanohar Lohia?*

ByYogendra Yadav

chapter 6|20 pages

Ambedkar on Indian Democracy*

ByArun K. Patnaik

part III|51 pages

The Search for Philosophy

chapter 7|27 pages

Literarization and Trans-Islamism

Life and after-life of Sayyed Sanaulla Makthi
ByP. K. Yasser Arafth

chapter 8|22 pages

From Mao to Maoism

The Indian path
ByAnshuman Behera

part IV|42 pages

Towards an Ontology of Indian Politics

chapter 9|24 pages

Ideation and the Politics of Legality and Morality in India*

ByNarendar Pani

chapter 10|16 pages

Being Dalit after Gandhi and Ambedkar

Insights from Devanoora Mahadeva
ByBageshree Subbanna