Question 1(a) · 10 marks · 139 words written
A R Desai studied Indian society through lens of contradictions. Elaborate.
Opening
AR Desai objecting to colonial mould of analysis & blind imitation of Western approaches, gave a new intellectual paradigm of Marxism to study Indian society.
Body · points
Lens of contradictions
Close · a summary
⊙ Nationalism: He argued for a materialistic basis. Class contradictions created by British like in agriculture (Permanent Settlement) led to new classes of Zamindars, led to nationalism & freedom struggle.
⊙ State: He argued that the state is essentially capitalistic with
a myth of welfare approach. Its contradictions lay in proposed ideal of socialism & practice of capitalism.
⊙ Path of development: He argued that India has gone for a Capitalistic path.
⊙ Movements: Peasant movements in colonial times and farmers movements post independence were due to class struggle of proletariat peasants against capitalists.
Desai's views were challenged on ignoring religion culture & caste but he expanded perspectives in Indian Sociology.