Multiple modernities, civilisational analysis and colonial modernity: The debate

This paper makes a critique of the multiple modernities and civilisational analysis theory elaborated by Shmuel Eisenstadt and maps its various limitations. These limitations are sketched in terms of the Eurocentric perspective which is elaborated as being part of that of the theory of colonial modernity. The paper argues that Eisenstadt reconstructs Hindu upper caste patriarchal orientalist positions. It suggests that a new historical sociology on modernity can be constructed by using the thesis of colonial modernity that organises the latter through a perspective of 'history from below'.