About

The parameters of modern knowledge systems are clearly showing fault lines—that if there is a continuation of the technological systems at the heart of development, neglecting the twin issues of ecology and equity—there is a serious threat to human existence. This article seeks to answer a specific question: in the context of the twenty-first century search of offering alternatives to the hegemonic development

paradigm, what kind of knowledges of production in society could possibly be best developed at this point in history? It argues that the answer lies in ‘already existing knowledge systems ( AEKS)’, accompanied by critical thinking on production, distribution and consumption systems. Locating the production of knowledge in five spaces—historical context, policy formulation, political economic structures, forms of collective action and articulation of contested epistemologies—it argues that when AEKS are understood both in form and transformation in these spaces, that the possibilities they offer for substantial alternatives can be explored.


Bio note

Madhulika Banerjee is Professor of Political Science at the University of Delhi, has taught mainstream Political Science and also researched on the critiques and alternatives to the Development paradigm, since 1985. She has focused on already existing knowledges as possible bases for thinking on new Development perspectives, her focus being on Ayurveda for many years. Her work on Ayurveda is widely presented in many a national and international fora and her book "Power, Knowledge, Medicine: Ayurvedic Pharmaceuticals at Home and in the World" was published by Orient Blackswan in 2009.  She has extended her work to the larger theme of Knowledge, Development and Politics in Post-Colonial India, focusing on many different knowledge systems, in water management, agricultural practices, pottery, etc.  Arguing that knowledge is constituted by contestations in the spaces of the state, market and civil society, she has taught courses at both the Masters and research levels. She has also concluded Research program sponsored by the prestigious Indian Council for Social Science Research. Prof Banerjee has also been part of other national and international projects. At the same time, she has been connected over the last thirty years,  to many social movements and organisations working on the ground, learning and engaging with them.

Madhulika is currently Fellow at The New Institute in Hamburg, working on her book on “Politics of Knowledge in Development: A Conceptual Framework”.


Event under the Doctoral Programme 'Post-Colonialisms and Global Citizenship'