The History of International Law in India: Beyond Eurocentrism

Challenging Eurocentric histories and accounts of international law, this book elicits an alternative history in pre-independent India.

Western scholars trace the genesis of international law to Europe. On the other hand, 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. Rather, 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 such a perspective, the book 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 practice of Asian States whilst arguing for the freedom of the seas, the book 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 TWAIL – and South Asian Studies.