Koulagi, Sumanas(1).pdf (1.96 MB)
Development as swaraj (self-rule) and the quest for non-violent social order: a case study of the khadi sector in Karnataka, India
thesis
posted on 2023-06-09, 23:02 authored by Sumanas KoulagiThis thesis investigates a way of constructing non-violent social order through development as swaraj (self-rule), based on the writings of Mohandas Karamchand Gandhi and his associate, the economist Joseph Cornelius Kumarappa. It elucidates the violence immanent in existing development paradigms, and formulates swaraj development as a way forward. Further, it explores the pragmatic ways in which this form of development can be established through the khadi sector, the handspun and handwoven textile in Karnataka, India. The khadi case study is selected because the sector was originally conceived as a vehicle for swaraj development during the Indian freedom movement. The development paradigm of swaraj is built upon a threefold moral political economy (MPE) framework, which has the potential to unveil exploitative relations and transform social order. The framework re-establishes political economy within the fold of moral philosophy. The development vision of swaraj advocates a morality of non-violence, political decentralisation accompanied by active non-violent resistance to exploitation in the form of Satyagraha (insistence of Truth), and economic self-sufficiency to establish a non-violent social order. The case study thesis demonstrates that the existing social conditions in the khadi sector are far-removed from the development vision of swaraj. The case study analysis, though, offers insights into possible ways of transforming existing social conditions within the khadi sector to advance towards a non-violent social order. This research provides a distinct approach to understand social development based on the MPE framework. It advances the social development theory and praxis of Gandhi and Kumarappa by formulating the development paradigm of swaraj. By challenging prevailing development structures, discourses, and practices linked to the colonial project, it strengthens the ongoing process of decolonising development. More broadly, this research contributes concepts, methods, and empirical evidence that can help to overcome violence that is ingrained in the existing social order through development as swaraj.
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- Published version
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216.0Department affiliated with
- International Development Theses
Qualification level
- doctoral
Qualification name
- phd
Language
- eng
Institution
University of SussexFull text available
- Yes
Legacy Posted Date
2021-02-10Usage metrics
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