What was Multiculturalism? is a timely account of a socio-political theory that has featured in public debate in the West for the past forty years. Vijay Mishra offers both a compendium as well as a critique of multicultural theory in its diverse forms—from the politics of recognition, consensus, tolerance and the need for an inclusive community, to questions about the moral order, the invasive force of religious absolutism and the spectres of racism, injustice and scapegoating.

Through a series of critical reflections, Mishra offers a detached, honest bold and uncompromised reading of some of the most influential texts on multiculturalism, with a view to establishing the historical moments in the field.