Provincialising Pluralism

‘Attempts to mine the past of India or China for philosophical purposs are often met with accusations of anachronism. Through detailed and sophisticated case studies, the authors of Provincialising Pluralism have demonstrated how the past can and does speak to the present. This is a master work of historical interpretation answering some urgent issues relating to pluralism in a globalised world.’ -- Patrick Olivelle, * Professor Emeritus, The University of Texas at Austin, USA *
‘This is a landmark volume in South Asian studies and intellectual history, distinguished by its capacious canvas and the scholarly depth of the essays. The contributors pluralize “pluralism” itself, making a distinctive contribution to the rich debates on pluralism and syncretism that have characterised South Asia's long intellectual and religious history.’ -- Vinay Lal * Professor, University of California at Los Angeles, USA *
‘This stimulating collection of essays understands pluralism less as a modern social and political ethic and more as an epistemic framework for understanding plurality. It makes a convincing case that a long, varied tradition of South Asian understandings of diversities exist that has the potential to enrich how humans view each other’s distinctiveness and try to respond to it.’ -- Rajeev Bhargava * Honorary Fellow and Director, Parekh Institute of Indian Thought, Centre for the Study of Developing Societies, India *
‘The essays included in this thoughtful volume analyse a variety of pluralisms across Indian philosophical discourses and time periods. It is a challenging collection which makes a timely intervention in our current debates about the past and the potential for pluralism in the future.’ -- Romila Thapar * Professor Emerita, Jawaharlal Nehru University, India *