New Books in Critical Theory Professor Priyamvada Gopal on Anticolonial Resistance
Feb 14, 2025
Priyamvada Gopal, a Professor of Postcolonial Studies at the University of Cambridge, dives into the intricacies of anticolonial resistance and its relevance today. She illuminates how literature can inspire liberation while exploring connections between Muslim identity and decolonial thought. Gopal also articulates the differences between postcolonial and decolonial frameworks, critiques historical narratives, and addresses the complexities of contemporary decolonization, particularly in South Asian contexts and beyond.
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Gopal's Focus
- Priyamvada Gopal's academic work explores decolonization, nationhood, and dissent, particularly within resistant movements.
- Her early work focused on Muslim writers in Urdu who challenged the concept of nations as they emerged.
Judging the Past
- Gopal's book Insurgent Empire challenges the notion that past actions cannot be judged by present standards.
- She highlights dissent within historical British views on colonialism, imperialism, and racism.
Learning from the Colonized
- Gopal observed that many British critics of empire learned from colonized cultures and anti-colonial movements.
- They incorporated this knowledge into their writing, demonstrating a shift in perspective.
