Development as Swaraj: Towards a Sustainable and Equitable Future (Routledge Studies in Development Economics) - Hardcover

Koulagi, Sumanas

Hardcover

ISBN 10: 1032404396 ISBN 13: 9781032404394

Publisher: Routledge, 2022

Synopsis

This book offers an in-depth insight into the Indian concept of swaraj--self-rule--both in theory and practice and posits it within the larger context of development.

It opens by discussing the limitations of prevailing sustainable development paradigm as well as other heterodox development paradigms in achieving a sustainable and equitable future. Further, it constructs development theory around the idea of swaraj, based on the writings of M K Gandhi and J C Kumarappa. The swaraj development vision weaves in the morality of the greatest good of all, political decentralisation, and economic self-sufficiency as important elements to achieve an exploitation-free social order that ensures more control for individuals over their lives. It reveals sustainability and equality as inherent features of such a non-violent social order.

The book then provides an introduction to the khadi--handspun and handwoven textile--sector, which is taken as a case study to demonstrate the swaraj development approach. The use of this sector helps readers to get a snapshot of the efforts that have been made since the time of Gandhi and Kumarappa towards the attainment of swaraj. Importantly, the khadi section highlights the method of translating theory into practice based on the unique three-pronged approach of the swaraj development paradigm. By showcasing how to establish swaraj within the khadi sector, the author offers insights into how it can be replicated for attaining a sustainable and equitable world.

The book will appeal to scholars and researchers in the fields of Gandhian studies and development studies.

About this title

About the Author

Sumanas Koulagi is associated with Janapada Seva Trust, India. He holds a PhD degree in International Development from the School of Global Studies, University of Sussex, UK. He is interested in theory and praxis of development, an indispensable dynamic of present-day existence.

Edition details

• Publisher: Routledge
• Publication date: 2022
• Language: English
• ISBN 10: 1032404396
• ISBN 13: 9781032404394
• Binding: Hardcover
• Edition number: 1
• Number of pages: 160