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Imagining India: A Fresh Perspective ‘Theory of India’ by Ranadhir Mukhopadhyay, Sridhar D Iyer, Dinesh Verma
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Imagining India: A Fresh Perspective ‘Theory of India’ by Ranadhir Mukhopadhyay, Sridhar D Iyer, Dinesh Verma

Uncategorized December 5, 2025 , by

Reviewed By Dr SM Karisiddaiah

IN every generation, certain books challenge the status quo and prompt reflection on national identity. “Theory of India” arrives at a pivotal moment as India, youthful and ambitious, navigates complex social dynamics and a heightened global presence. It encourages a re-examination of what defines India — our ideas, institutions, and shared imagination.
The book weaves together histories and cultures, aiming to present India as a vibrant, evolving civilizational organism rather than merely a product of 20th-century politics. This perspective is crucial for our diverse nation.
In today’s fast-paced, data-driven world, understanding our foundational concepts is essential for navigating complexities and shaping the future. As India stands on the brink of transformation, insightful works like “Theory of India” illuminate patterns of resilience and diversity within our society.
To guide policymaking and governance, we must develop a unique understanding of concepts like nation-state and democracy, rooted in India’s civilizational ethos of pluralism and community autonomy. This authentic grasp of our identity fosters purpose and cohesion, protecting against intellectual mimicry in a globalised world.
Why Such Books Matter in Public Discourse
NEWSPAPER columns, television debates, and social media often reflect the moment’s mood but lack depth, leading to important issues being briefly addressed before disappearing. Books like the Theory of India counter this by promoting long-form thinking and anchoring public discourse in deeper insights. A society engaged with complex ideas is better equipped for democracy.
These books provide the vocabulary needed for nuanced viewpoints, moving beyond oversimplified arguments. The Theory of India bridges scholarly thought and everyday citizens, making academic insights accessible. In an age of misinformation, this blend of scholarship and public awareness is crucial.
As India navigates globalisation and self-reflection, it’s important to embrace modernity while maintaining cultural identity. This book embodies a “new Indian self-confidence,” encouraging pride in one’s identity while looking confidently toward the future.
Political scientists highlight that the survival of democracies depends not only on institutions but also on the societal imagination that supports them. India, as the world’s largest democracy, exemplifies this with its rich cultural diversity, presenting a delicate balance that requires constant nurturing.
The Theory of India encapsulates this notion, suggesting that India’s democratic vitality arises from its civilizational philosophy, where debate, dissent, and decentralised authority flourish. Traditional forums like sabhas and parishads have significantly shaped the Indian democratic spirit.
Books on these themes emphasise that democracy in India is rooted in historical and cultural heritage. As threats of democratic backsliding increase, these insights become even more essential.
Modern Indian education often presents history as fragmented, obscuring the rich continuity that spans ancient times to the present. The Theory of India aims to reconnect these narratives, portraying India as a palimpsest where ancient wisdom coexists with modern complexities. This perspective fosters a sense of continuity, showing that the present is part of a vibrant legacy.
A Compass for Policymakers
PUBLISHED by the Walnut, having centres in India, the UK and the USA, the book is edited by Ranadhir Mukhopadhyay, Sridhar D Iyer and Dinesh Verma. A book of this nature is not merely an intellectual exploration; it can serve as a useful guide for policymakers. India’s public policy debates — on education, governance, technology, environment, culture, and economy — often require an understanding of India’s unique social structure.
For instance, decentralisation cannot be understood without acknowledging India’s traditional community institutions. Similarly, health and wellness policies benefit from insights into indigenous knowledge systems. Likewise, environmental strategies can draw on India’s civilisational relationship with nature. And equally, education reforms must balance global competencies with cultural rootedness. The book shows that policy divorced from cultural logic is often ineffective. Policy aligned with civilisational logic becomes sustainable.
Reading such books becomes an act of citizenship. It strengthens the intellectual ecosystem in which democracy functions. It encourages reflection in a time of noise, depth in a time of speed, and understanding in a time of polarisation.
Such books remind us that the Indian story is not accidental. That its diversity is not chaos, but design. That its social complexity is not a burden, but a resource. And that its cultural inheritance is not a relic, but a living framework.
“Theory of India” is thus more than a book; it is an invitation. An invitation to read India thoughtfully. To engage with its layers. To celebrate its complexity. And to participate in the ongoing task of imagining a nation that is both ancient and modern, rooted and aspiring, diverse and united. And that is why such books—ambitious, reflective, civilisational—are not just relevant today; they are indispensable.

(Dr SM Karisiddaiah is Fellow, Centre for Contemporary Research, A Policy Think Tank, Former Chief Scientist, CSIR-National Institute of Oceanography, Goa).

Come for the book release at International Center Goa, Dona Paula, Panjim on December 7, 2025.

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