Empirical Experiences in Indian Academia: Caste, Language, and Social Theory

Abstract

This paper examines the structural barriers to knowledge production and theoretical discourse in Indian academia, focusing on the intersections of caste, language and social theory. It argues that India’s pluralistic society suffers from deep linguistic and epistemic inequalities, where dominant languages and Western-centric theories marginalise indigenous forms of knowledge rooted in folk traditions and the lived experiences of disadvantaged communities. Drawing on the work of prominent theorists such as Gopal Guru, Sundar Sarukkai and Raghurama Raju, this study critiques the continued exclusion of empirical knowledge from marginalised groups and calls for the democratisation of intellectual discourse. The paper highlights the need to validate empirical knowledge, recognise local languages and integrate indigenous epistemologies into mainstream social sciences to achieve a truly inclusive and equitable academic environment.