Mukulika Banerjee

Professor Mukulika Banerjee is Professor of Anthropology at the London School of Economics and Political Science (LSE) and one of the UK's leading experts on democracy, elections, citizenship and political culture in South Asia, particularly India. She previously taught at University College London and served as the founding Director of the LSE South Asia Centre from 2015-2020.‍

Professor Banerjee's research examines how democratic institutions, voting behaviour and citizenship are experienced in everyday life. Her work has helped shape academic and public understanding of democracy in the world's largest electoral democracy. She is the author of several influential books, including Cultivating Democracy (2021), Why India Votes? (2014), Muslim Portraits (2008), The Sari (2003) and The Pathan Unarmed (2001).

A highly experienced speaker, Professor Banerjee has delivered keynote lectures and invited talks at leading universities and institutions across Europe, North America and Asia. She is also a sought-after commentator on Indian politics, democracy and current affairs, with regular appearances on BBC television and radio, Channel 4 and other international media outlets.

Her current research explores the relationship between taxation and democracy through a British Academy-Leverhulme Senior Fellowship, further extending her work on democratic participation, governance and citizenship. She is particularly well placed to speak on democracy and elections, political leadership, citizenship, South Asia, India, political culture, identity and belonging, and the relationship between state and society.