Overview
This collection of eleven essays, part of the Themes in Indian History Series, discusses different historiographical approaches to the study of subordinate and marginal groups in early India. Parasher-Sen attempts to understand the historical roots of social oppression and exclusion in the subcontinent, thus making an early historical phenomenon directly relevant to an issue that causes concern even today.
Synopsis
Part of the prestigious Themes in Indian History series, this volume analyzes the historical roots of social oppression and exclusion of the subordinate and marginal groups that have marked the making of identities in the Indian subcontinent. The book highlights how the Indian civilization dealt with problems of diversity and yet did not let go of hierarchical relations. It has contributions from eminent historians like ROmila Thapar, B.D. Cattopadhyaya, Eleanor Zelliot, and Uma Chakrabarty. The introduction by Aloka Parasher-Sen situates the readings in their ideological and histographical contexts.
The second edition contains a new Afterword, which traces the historiography till recent times and brings out the shifts and changes in the study of the subject.