This is the first book in the Series. Scholars and Prophets deals with the historical genesis of the long and rich scholarship on India in France since the beginning of 19th century, with particular reference to the work of Louis Dumont It considers the works of scholars and the essayists, poets, or esotericists who published on India and shows that Dumont has been influenced by both groups. This understanding illuminates the main criticism that is still addressed to Homo Hierarchicus, which is that in this book Dumont mistook the internal, Brahminical view point on the caste system for a sociological view.
In the course of explaining the French intellectual tradition the author relates many fascinating interactions and little known anecdotes of famous men and women which capture the intellectually vibrant climate of the time.
In the last chapter, the book contrasts Dumont’s work with issues raised by McKim Marriott’s project? and the Subaltern Studies from India. It defends that the core issue dealt with by all scholars is the epistemic status given to scientific knowledge of Indian society.
A very interesting feature of this book is the manner in which Roland Lardinois provides well written profiles of leading intellectuals .Both scholars and students of the social sciences will find this book very useful.