Abstract
The author addresses the problems attached to the use of the term 'ethnicity' in the Indian context, and contests the view that 'ethnic conflict' in India poses a threat to democracy there or to the cohesion of the Indian state. He shows how four diferent types of identities in India that may be described as 'ethnic' either cut across one another or never come into conflict; and how the tendency of Indians to give priority to one or another level of identity as circumstances and preoccupations change prevents the emergence of lasting fault-lines in society and politics. Finally, he identifies three ways in whiclh ethnicity has been 'managed' in India, only one of which, the 'accommodationist' approach, is successful.
Sign-in/Register to access full text options 
Free) 
Talk to us
Join us for a 30 min session where you can share your feedback and ask us any queries you have
Schedule a call
