SOAS, University of London (The School of Oriental and African Studies)

Teaching

Theory in Anthropology (Tutor)

Research

My research combines an interest in the fields of material culture and museum studies, South Asian anthropology, development studies and the politics and cultures of indigeneity.

Focussing on the development of an Adivasi (‘Tribal’) Museum in rural Gujarat, my PhD thesis examined the relationship between ‘art making’ and the making and mobilisation of an Adivasi identity. This research both focussed on the politics of representation taking place within the Museum while using the Museum as a lens to understand broader issues regarding the marginalisation of Adivasis and the particular economic, political and cultural challenges they face. This also included an analysis of the complex transnational networks of actors and institutions that go into the making, expression and performance of ‘Adivasi' customs and identities in contemporary India.

My current research (2011-2014) is part of the ESRC funded project RURAL CHANGE AND ANTHROPOLOGICAL KNOWLEDGE IN POST-COLONIAL INDIA: A COMPARATIVE 'RESTUDY' OF F.G. BAILEY, ADRIAN C. MAYER AND DAVID F. POCOCK

Expertise

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Experience

Regional expertise: Gujarat

Available for

• TV
• Press
• Briefings
• Short Term Consultancy

Regional Expertise

• South Asia

Country Expertise

• India

Languages

• Gujarati
• Hindi

Publications