Open research questions in Indian History and Philosophy
61 unresolved questions extracted from the limitations and future-work sections of 1,893 Indian History and Philosophy papers in our library. Each links back to the study that raised it.
What the literature leaves open
Social inequality and discrimination were significant challenges faced by Bhima Bhoi and his community. The rigid caste divisions and widespread discrimination in 19th-century Odisha posed a major challenge to his teachings. The paper highlights the need to address these challenges through compassion, equality, and spiritual liberation.
The dual phrasing of democratization and national control risks contradiction. The lack of clarity may lead to implementation remaining aspirational rather than practical.
Religious polarisation and fragmentation among faith communities remain significant challenges. The tolerance paradigm has serious problems, such as structural passivity, essential asymmetry, and social frailty. The paper identifies the need for a new, more adequate framework for addressing these challenges.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam as a Philosophical Framework for Interfaith Coexistence: Bridging Relational Ethics with Prosocial Psychology · 2026 · DOIFuture research could explore other alternative readings of the Mahabharata. It could also examine the implications of Basu's interpretation for other areas of study, such as literature and cultural studies. Further research could investigate the reception and impact of Basu's work on Mahabharata scholarship.
The paper identifies a gap in the existing scholarship on the Mahabharata, particularly with regards to the concept of heroism. It highlights the need for more nuanced and complex interpretations of the epic.
The need for a critical examination of the Self-Respect Movement's origin, philosophical foundations, and its impact on society. The lack of studies on the movement's contribution to women's liberation and anti-Hindi agitation.
சுயமரியாதை இயக்கமும் அதன் சமூக மறுமலர்ச்சிப் பணியும்: தந்தை பெரியார் தலைமையிலான ஒரு வரலாற்று ஆய்வு (1925–1944) · 2026 · DOIThe unjust caste system in India. The lack of awareness about inequality. The dominance of Brahminical tradition in Indian social order and Hinduism.
Poor diversity and inclusion are major issues in the contemporary world. Conflict is a significant challenge that needs to be addressed.
The elitist pattern of recruitment for lawyers. The need for professional bodies to protect client interests. The challenge of regulating professional behavior.
The need for a comprehensive understanding of the Sociology of Professions in India. The lack of attention to the elitist pattern of recruitment for lawyers.
The paper identifies a gap in understanding between Gandhi and Tagore's views - The concept of nation was a point of contention
The paper identifies a gap in the understanding of non-belonging in postcolonial literature. The gap is related to the concept of subjectivity and identity in the context of postcolonialism.
Nomadism, Psychological Autonomy, and the Politics of Non-Belonging: A Postcolonial–Cognitive Reading of Tarapada in Rabindranath Tagore's Atithi · 2026 · DOIThere is a misreading of Patel as pro-Hindutva and pro-RSS. The true meaning of liberalism has been changing due to political pressures.
Further study of the Non-Brahmin movement's impact on social and political change in India. Analysis of the movement's relevance to contemporary social issues. Examination of the application of Phule's ideas to other social and political contexts.
The paper identifies a gap in understanding the life and teachings of Santhakabi Bhima Bhoi. It highlights the need to examine his contributions to Odia literature and social transformation.
Future research can explore the application of Gandhi's leadership style to modern-day leadership. Future research can examine the impact of Gandhi's leadership on various domains.
The study identifies a gap in the literature on Gandhi's leadership traits. The study aims to provide a comprehensive analysis of Gandhi's leadership style and approach to leadership principles.
Some companies use CSR primarily as a public relations strategy rather than as a genuine commitment to social welfare. Inadequate transparency, limited community participation, and weak impact assessment can reduce the effectiveness of CSR initiatives.
Modern Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Through Dr.B.R. Ambedkar's Emphasis on Sustainable Development · 2026 · DOIThe gap between CSR initiatives and their actual impact on social welfare. The need for a more people-centric and sustainable model of development.
Modern Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) Through Dr.B.R. Ambedkar's Emphasis on Sustainable Development · 2026 · DOIThe paper identifies a gap in the field of sociology regarding the need for sociologists to engage with pressing social issues. The climate crisis and the Gaza war are highlighted as areas where sociologists can make a meaningful contribution.
Further research can be done on the application of Vidur Niti's principles and concepts to modern political decision-making. The concept of āpaddharma can be explored in more depth.
Vidur Niti and the Problem of Dirty Hands in Politics: An Ethical Inquiry into Ancient Indian Wisdom · 2026 · DOIThere is a need to explore the relevance of ancient Indian texts to contemporary political science. The paper identifies a gap in the discussion on leadership ethics and accountability.
Vidur Niti and the Problem of Dirty Hands in Politics: An Ethical Inquiry into Ancient Indian Wisdom · 2026 · DOIFurther research can explore the applications of Gandhi's interpretation - The concept of non-violence can be studied in various contexts - The paper's findings can inform future discussions on conflict resolution
Una justificación de la no-‐‑violencia a través de un texto bélico: Gandhi lee el Bhagavad Gita · 2026 · DOIThe paper identifies a gap in the understanding of Gandhi's interpretation of the Bhagavad Gita - The traditional interpretation is often prioritized over alternative perspectives
Una justificación de la no-‐‑violencia a través de un texto bélico: Gandhi lee el Bhagavad Gita · 2026 · DOIThe traditional understanding of tolerance has inherent problems, such as moral passivity and unequal relationships between majority and minority groups. A new, more adequate framework is needed to address these problems. The paper identifies a gap in the existing literature on interfaith coexistence and religious diversity management.
Vasudhaiva Kutumbakam as a Philosophical Framework for Interfaith Coexistence: Bridging Relational Ethics with Prosocial Psychology · 2026 · DOI
Most-cited papers in Indian History and Philosophy
- Information Technology Professionals and the New-Rich Middle Class in Chennai (Madras) · Modern Asian Studies · 2006 · 147 citations
- The Actual Gujarat Model: Authoritarianism, Capitalism, Hindu Nationalism and Populism in the Time of Modi · Journal of Contemporary Asia · 2020 · 47 citations
- Gandhi, Deep Ecology, Peace Research And Buddhist Economics · Journal of Peace Research · 1999 · 31 citations
- Rebranding Gandhi for the 21st century: science, ideology and politics at UNESCO’s Mahatma Gandhi Institute (MGIEP) · Compare A Journal of Comparative and International Education · 2022 · 27 citations
- Sliding from majoritarianism toward fascism: Educating India under the Modi regime · International Sociology · 2020 · 24 citations
- Populism and Hindu Nationalism in India · Studies in Comparative International Development · 2021 · 22 citations
- The Political Asceticism of Mamata Banerjee: Female Populist Leadership in Contemporary India · Politics & Gender · 2021 · 20 citations
- The ‘saffronisation’ of India and contemporary political ideology · World Englishes · 2020 · 15 citations
- The debate between secularism and Hindu nationalism – how India’s textbooks have become the government’s medium for political communication · India Review · 2022 · 15 citations
- Pragmatism and the Pursuit of Social Justice in India: Bhimrao Ambedkar and the Rhetoric of Religious Reorientation · Rhetoric Society Quarterly · 2016 · 13 citations
Most recent work
- Words of the nation: Mahatma Gandhi, Hindustani, and the making of national identity · National Identities · 2026
- EDUCATIONAL PRACTICES IN THE SCHOOLS OF VISVA-BHARATI: A MODEL OF PARTICIPATORY AND EXPERIENTIAL LEARNING · The Social Science Review A Multidisciplinary Journal · 2026
- Gandhiji’s View on Education: Relevance in Present Scenario · International Journal of Science, Strategic Management and Technology · 2026
- Gandhian Concept of Common Good: An Analysis through Sarvodaya and Trusteeship · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · 2026
- Integral Education and Epistemic Justice: Gandhi, Tagore, and Sri Aurobindo in Global Discourse · Philosophia · 2026
- Deeksha Bhoomi and the Navayana Buddhism: A Challenge to the Indian Caste System · Contemporary Voice of Dalit · 2026
- Mahābhārata as an Instrument of Indigenous Education, Sustainable Values, and Moral Pedagogy · International Journal of Science Architecture Technology and Environment · 2026
- A Shattered Dream? Nostalgia, Partisanship and the Studied Indifference Towards Democratization · Journal of Human Values · 2026
- Nomadism, Psychological Autonomy, and the Politics of Non-Belonging: A Postcolonial–Cognitive Reading of Tarapada in Rabindranath Tagore's Atithi · Zenodo (CERN European Organization for Nuclear Research) · 2026
- BJP’s philatelic reimagining: envisioning a Hindu nation · Commonwealth & Comparative Politics · 2026
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