Religion, Caste, and Politics in India

Religion, Caste, and Politics in India PDF

Author: Christophe Jaffrelot

Publisher: Primus Books

Published: 2010

Total Pages: 835

ISBN-13: 9380607040

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Following independence, the Nehruvian approach to socialism in India rested on three pillars: secularism and democracy in the political domain, state intervention in the economy, and diplomatic non-alignment mitigated by pro-Soviet leanings after the 1960s. These features defined a distinct "Indian model," if not the country's political identity. From this starting point, Christophe Jaffrelot traces the transformation of India throughout the latter half of the twentieth century, particularly the 1980s and 90s. The world's largest democracy has sustained itself by embracing not only the vernacular politicians of linguistic states, but also Dalits and "Other Backward Classes," or OBCs. The simultaneous--and related--rise of Hindu nationalism has put minorities--and secularism--on the defensive. In many ways the rule of law has been placed on trial as well. The liberalization of the economy has resulted in growth, yet not necessarily development, and India has acquired a new global status, becoming an emerging power intent on political and economic partnerships with Asia and the West. The traditional Nehruvian system is giving way to a less cohesive though more active India, a country that has become what it is against all odds. Jaffrelot maps this tumultuous journey, exploring the role of religion, caste, and politics in determining the fabric of a modern democratic state.

The Caste Question

The Caste Question PDF

Author: Anupama Rao

Publisher: Univ of California Press

Published: 2009-10-13

Total Pages: 416

ISBN-13: 0520943376

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This innovative work of historical anthropology explores how India's Dalits, or ex-untouchables, transformed themselves from stigmatized subjects into citizens. Anupama Rao's account challenges standard thinking on caste as either a vestige of precolonial society or an artifact of colonial governance. Focusing on western India in the colonial and postcolonial periods, she shines a light on South Asian historiography and on ongoing caste discrimination, to show how persons without rights came to possess them and how Dalit struggles led to the transformation of such terms of colonial liberalism as rights, equality, and personhood. Extending into the present, the ethnographic analyses of The Caste Question reveal the dynamics of an Indian democracy distinguished not by overcoming caste, but by new forms of violence and new means of regulating caste.

Caste and Democratic Politics in India

Caste and Democratic Politics in India PDF

Author: Ghanshyam Shah

Publisher: Anthem Press

Published: 2004

Total Pages: 373

ISBN-13: 1843310856

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The Indian constitution seeks to prevent the perpetuation of caste and build a casteless social system. But in over half a century since Indian independence, this has not been achieved and does not seem likely in the near future. Therefore, no understanding of Indian politics is possible without a thorough understanding of the complexities of the caste system. The aim of this four-part book is to bring about such an understanding. It begins by examining the various meanings attached to the notion of caste. The essay and book extracts in this first section include classic writings on caste such as those by G S Ghurye, Louis Dumont, Mahatma Gandhi and B R Ambedkar. The second part consists of essays that demonstrate the relationship between caste and power. The third part comprises material that investigates caste and various Indian political practices on the ground. The fourth, on caste and social transformation, includes discussion on one of the most salient topics in contemporary Indian politics, namely, the issue of reservations for socially backward castes.

Caste, Society and Politics in India from the Eighteenth Century to the Modern Age

Caste, Society and Politics in India from the Eighteenth Century to the Modern Age PDF

Author: Susan Bayly

Publisher: Cambridge University Press

Published: 2001-02-22

Total Pages: 448

ISBN-13: 9780521798426

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The phenomenon of caste has probably aroused more controversy than any other aspect of Indian life and thought. Susan Bayly's cogent and sophisticated analysis explores the emergence of the ideas, experiences and practices which gave rise to the so-called 'caste society' from the pre-colonial period to the end of the twentieth century. Using an historical and anthropological approach, she frames her analysis within the context of India's dynamic economic and social order, interpreting caste not as an essence of Indian culture and civilization, but rather as a contingent and variable response to the changes that occurred in the subcontinent's political landscape through the colonial conquest. The idea of caste in relation to Western and Indian 'orientalist' thought is also explored.

The Scheduled Castes in Modern Indian Politics

The Scheduled Castes in Modern Indian Politics PDF

Author: Surinder K. Gupta

Publisher: New Delhi : Munshiram Manoharlal

Published: 1985

Total Pages: 376

ISBN-13:

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Description: This study presents a detailed analysis of the multifaceted struggle of the Scheduled Castes, the odyssey of their transformation from the apolitical, ostracized and indigent mass into a crucial factor in the political structure. It examines the inter-play of the forces, generated both by the British Raj and the changing complexion of the Indian national movement, which helped their emergence as a political power in India. How was the most apposite appellation the 'Scheduled Castes', coined? What were the measures adopted for arriving at their exact enumeration? How was it affected by the 'politics of numbers'? What was their socio-economic condition at the turn of the Century? What was its impact on the process of their politicization and political participating? How did they become an important factor both in the Indian national movement and the politics of the period? What was the pattern of their politics? How far were the ideas, strategies, and ends and means of their mentors in conflict with those of the caste Hindu leaders and nationalists? These are some of the basic questions this study probes and seeks to answer. All through, this study is backed by sound scholarship and critical sensitivity. It is the first study of its kinds in that it (i) traces the chequered career of the term 'Scheduled Castes'; (ii) conducts a province-wise survey of their socio-economic condition; (iii) examines the manipulation of Scheduled Castes' census in the game of the 'politics of numbers'; and (iv) highlights the part played by Baba Saheb Dr. B.R. Ambedkar as also by other prominent leaders, especially, M.C. Rajah, who have hitherto remained ignored. The work is well documented and makes use of all available archival, official and non-official sources.

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