A Social History of Indian Football

This book explores India's colonial and post-colonial experiences through soccer, examining its adaptation to local culture, political significance, and the relationships among players, patrons, and fans from 1850 to 2004.

A Social History of Indian Football explores the intricate relationship between soccer and India's colonial and post-colonial experiences from 1850 to 2004. Through the lens of this popular sport, the book examines how soccer has been adapted to meet the socio-cultural needs of modern India. It highlights the ways in which the game has been shaped by political and economic aspirations, reflecting the broader societal changes occurring in the country.

The narrative delves into the role of soccer during the colonial era, analyzing the interactions among patrons, players, and fans. It considers how the colonial context influenced the sport's evolution and development, revealing the diverse experiences and engagements with soccer across various regions of India. By focusing on these dynamics, the book illustrates how soccer has served as a platform for expressing nationalist sentiments and responding to colonial pressures.

In addition to its historical insights, the book also addresses the appropriation and subversion of sporting ideals within India. It presents soccer not merely as a game but as a medium through which the complexities of identity, culture, and resistance have been articulated. This volume, originally published as a special issue of Soccer and Society, offers a comprehensive overview of how soccer has functioned as a significant cultural force in shaping modern Indian society.