Habitations of Modernity: Essays in the Wake of Subaltern Studies

Habitations of Modernity explores the complexities of modernism in India. The questions that motivate Dipesh Chakrabarty are shared by all post-colonial historians and anthropologists: How do we think about the legacy of the European Enlightenment in lands far from Europe in geography or history? How can we envision ways of being modern that speak to what is shared around the world, as well as to cultural diversity? Chakrabarty pursues issues such as these in a series of closely linked essays, ranging from a history of the influential Subaltern Studies series to examinations of specific cultural practices in modern India. In the words of the eminent political philosopher Charles Taylor, Chakrabarty shows an impressive grasp of the theoretical literature, combined with a wide knowledge of particular historical and anthropological studies, the whole underpinned by his deep familiarity with Indian and Bengali contexts. The result is a collection full of unexpected insights. Habitations of Modernity is unparalleled in its penetration and very exciting to read.