The History of International Law in India : Beyond Eurocentrism

In challenging Eurocentric histories and accounts of international law, this book introduces an alternative history of pre-independence India. Western scholars trace the genesis of international law to Europe. However, scholars from the Global South trace the history of international law to different civilisations of the world existing since ancient times. They argue that European narratives are not sufficient to explain the true history of international law and that the history of international law should shed itself of its Eurocentrism and adopt a multi-civilisational perspective, according to which local and national histories can contribute towards a truly global history and in so doing enhance the legitimacy of international law. Taking up this perspective, the author traces the history of key elements of international law – such as diplomacy, trade and war – in and to pre-independent India. As Grotius himself acknowledged, in taking his cue from the practices of Asian States whilst arguing for the freedom of the seas, the author thereby elicits the contribution made by India, among other Global South nations, to the evolution and development of international law. The History of International Law in India is an alternative account of the history of international law and will appeal to scholars and students in the areas of legal history, international law –especially Third World approaches to international law – and South Asian Studies.