Grounding Development: Epistemological Reversal and the Idea of Locality offers a sociological and social anthropological analysis of rural development policies in postcolonial India. By critically examining major rural development policies, the book raises a key question: Do policymakers’ views on rural development align with those of sociologists? It explores the interconnections between community participation and rural development, advocating for a participatory approach that integrates diverse perspectives. This book proposes a conceptual framework for mobilizing collective initiatives in rural India, aiming to empower communities and promote comprehensive development.