The intersection of theory, practice, and history of law has always been a captivating subject. Few individuals embody this multifaceted approach as effectively as Prof Shivprasad Swaminathan. He's currently on a Humboldt Fellowship at our Institute, where he's studying the theory and method in the common law. In our interview he explores the state of private law in India, the need for a new approach to common law theory, and the potential of historical perspectives in modern jurisprudence.