Why do politicians from marginal groups seem to prioritize “identity politics” even when majority of their constituents live in poverty? How does social hierarchy affect the provision of public goods? When do diverse communities work together to improve local infrastructure?  My research explores questions such as these through an interdisciplinary and multi-methodological lens, focusing mostly on India. I study how social identity – ethnicity, class, and particularly social status – shapes political mobilization and redistributive politics. 

My research has been published in Comparative Political Studies and the Russell Sage Foundation Journal as well as mainstream outlets like the Hindustan Times, The Wire, Hindu Business Line, and Ideas for India. These projects have attracted support from several sources, including the International Growth Center, American Institute of India Studies, Smith Richardson Foundation, and the Library of Congress. I am currently working on my first book manuscript, titled "Politics of Dignity". 

I am an assitant professor of political science at Ashoka University. I received a PhD in Political Science from Brown University and a Masters in International Development from MIT. Feel free to reach out if you would like to chat about any of the projects!