Introduction

Sociology in particular, but especially academic disciplines in social sciences and humanities more generally, do not take humour as a serious subject of research or theorisation. This is particularly evident in South Asia. In this context, this chapter outlines the efforts in western philosophy to understand humour, as well as its obvious absence in sociology in particular, while outlining regional ritual and cultural practices where humour often occupies an important place as a form of performance, catharsis and as a weapon of the weak. It outlines the basis of an argument and invitation to initiate an effort to understand humour as a form of protest, political critique and commentary within South Asia’s diminishing public sphere and eroding democratic practices.