Political Science in Post-Independence India: Confronting Academic Colonialism and the Quest for Intellectual Autonomy

Akangsha Mukhia

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.58917

Political Science in Post-Independence India: Confronting Academic Colonialism and the Quest for Intellectual Autonomy

Author(s)	Ms. Akangsha Mukhia
Country	India
Abstract	The field of political science in India traces its origins to ancient philosophical inquiries but emerged as a formal academic discipline only in the 1930s. This relatively recent establishment of political science as a distinct subject was marked by a shift from its historical roots, with North India leading the way. Despite early limitations, the discipline saw slow but steady growth, and by 1938, five universities had incorporated political science into their curricula. However, the post-Independence period has revealed deeper concerns regarding the relevance and localization of political science education in India. This paper critically examines the evolution and state of political science in post-Independence India, particularly its growing reliance on Western frameworks, especially from American political thought. With the influx of American literature and theories such as political culture, political socialization, and political development in the 1960s, Indian academia has become heavily influenced by perspectives that may not resonate with the unique political realities of the country. This intellectual dependence raises pertinent questions about the efficacy of teaching concepts rooted in imperialist values to Indian students.The purpose of teaching political Science is to bridge the gap between academic theory and the national political system. However, can concepts shaped by foreign ideologies truly reflect the Indian political experience? This paper argues that intellectual independence in political science education is essential for decolonizing Indian academia. It calls for a re-examination of political science curricula, urging a shift towards theories that are more relevant to India's socio-political landscape and national identity.
Keywords	Political Science, Western framework, American political thought, Intellectual dependence
Field	Sociology > Politics
Published In	Volume 7, Issue 5, September-October 2025
Published On	2025-10-30
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2025.v07i05.58917

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Political Science in Post-Independence India: Confronting Academic Colonialism and the Quest for Intellectual Autonomy

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