EARLY CAREER SCHOLARS’ CONCLAVE, 2025

The long eighteenth century, far from being a mere precursor to later modernities, represents a distinct space of modernity in itself, defined by shifts in authorship, subjectivity, and intellectual paradigms. It prompts us to ask: What constitutes the modern? Who are the authors, and who are the subjects? The conceptualisation and applicability of the Western notion of modernity tracing its roots from industrialization and scientific revolution has been debated in the extant historical works for the case of South Asia. Anchored in the debates on early-modern and modernity, this period has been bookmarked by transformations, polyvalence, and interconnectedness: concepts that are synonymous to the ‘modern’. To further evaluate the category of modernity for the eighteenth century and nuance the conventional narratives, the pluralities spanning ideas, geographies, cultural forms, linguistic expressions, socio-political institutions and economic enterprises need reassessment through critical and diverse lenses.

This conclave of early career scholars invites papers to delve into the eighteenth century as a realm of multifaceted modernities. We welcome contributions from diverse disciplines such as history, literature, philosophy, science, visual arts, museum and cultural studies, to foster a rich and multidimensional dialogue in regional and world perspectives.

The conclave aims to foster rigorous academic engagement through:

• Mentorship: Mentoring from senior academicians through interactive workshop sessions.

• Peer deliberations: Engaging in intense discussions and exchange of ideas with pre-circulated papers.

• Publishing insights: Publishers, editors, and authors will share perspectives on navigating academic publishing.

• Publication opportunity: Like every year, participants will get the opportunity to publish their presented papers in leading journals or edited volumes, facilitated by IISECS.