Indian Politics Research Articles

Feminist counter-authoritarian political agency: Muslim girls re-generating politics in India

Drawing on ‘voices’ of Muslim girls reported in a purposive sample of media, this research presents Muslim girls' responses to the impossible choice between right to education and vs. religion, following the hijab ban in the colleges in Karnataka, India. Their narratives do not fit conventional understandings of ‘being’ political or ‘doing’ politics. Instead, they are situated in a continuum of new-forms of political protest and agency emerging among young Muslim women in India following nation-wide Muslim women-led protests against the Citizenship Amendment Act (2020). Muslim girls' voices in this research suggest their attempts to regenerate democracy by offering an alternative political vision of India to the authoritarian vision currently in power. This paper suggests that to understand Muslim girls' political agency in authoritarian and Hindu majoritarian India there is a need to recalibrate our understanding of politics and political agency.

Geography of inequality, geography of development: Water politics in India

Based on fieldwork conducted in Kerala, India, in this article, I focus on the micropolitics of water – both its infrastructure creation and management strategies. I argue that water becomes a means of social control through its role in reproducing existing social hierarchies. Focusing on Jalanidhi, a world-bank-led water management program and connecting this to the history of development in my fieldsite, I show that structural inequalities of caste and gender are inscribed on development and infrastructure geographies. The article highlights the limitations of both left-led and neoliberal ideas of development and necessarily trouble the dominant narrative about Kerala being an alternative to mainstream ideas of development.

Role of Identity Politics in Ensuring Social Justice in India

Identity Politics has become a prominent subject in the Indian Politics in past few years. Rise of lower castes, gender, religious identities, linguistic groups and ethnic conflicts have contributed to the significance of identity politics in India. The tendency for individuals who share a specific racial, religious, ethnic, social, or cultural identity to create exclusive political coalitions in order to further their own interests independent of those of a broader political group is known as identity politics. The goal of identity politics is to help marginalized communities regain more political freedom and self-determination by helping them recognize what makes them unique. The charms of caste, ethnicity, religion, language, and gender propel identity politics. Identity politics has in fact transcended all bounds of the political imaginary, challenging all ingrained preconceptions as well as the significance of race, caste, class, and sexual preferences. Social justice is the fair treatment and equitable status of all individuals and social groups within a state or society. This paper aims to bring about a general understanding of the concept of identity politics and the key identities which are playing a crucial role in Indian politics. Further this paper will also analyze the relation between identity politics and social justice and how identity politics is playing a role in curbing social injustice prevailing within the Indian society. Identity Politics has become a prominent subject in the Indian Politics in past few years. Rise of lower castes, gender, religious identities, linguistic groups and ethnic conflicts have contributed to the significance of identity politics in India. The tendency for individuals who share a specific racial, religious, ethnic, social, or cultural identity to create exclusive political coalitions in order to further their own interests independent of those of a broader political group is known as identity politics. The goal of identity politics is to help marginalized communities regain more political freedom and self-determination by helping them recognize what makes them unique. The charms of caste, ethnicity, religion, language, and gender propel identity politics. Identity politics has in fact transcended all bounds of the political imaginary, challenging all ingrained preconceptions as well as the significance of race, caste, class, and sexual preferences. Social justice is the fair treatment and equitable status of all individuals and social groups within a state or society. This paper aims to bring about a general understanding of the concept of identity politics and the key identities which are playing a crucial role in Indian politics. Further this paper will also analyze the relation between identity politics and social justice and how identity politics is playing a role in curbing social injustice prevailing within the Indian society.

Economic Ideology in Indian Politics: Why Do Elite and Mass Politics Differ?

A long line of scholarship has argued that ideological division structures party politics in many parts of the world. In India, however, there is a long-held consensus that the parties do not sort themselves ideologically, especially regarding economic policymaking. The paper analyses National Election Studies data between 1996 and 2019 by Lokniti-CSDS, and shows that voters cluster around the centre-left position on economic issues. Nevertheless, there are discernible ideological differences among the party members. The Bhartiya Janata Party members are more likely to favour privatisation, and members of Left parties prefer labour rights. These ideological differences are also evident in our analysis of the manifestos of political parties since 1952 and an expert survey conducted in 2022. We argue that these elite differences in economic policy do not translate into mass politics because all political parties present the State as the solution to economic deprivation. The rise of welfare populism in Indian politics in the past two decades, we suggest, is a result of centralisation within political parties in which the welfare promises are directly linked to the party leaders.

Rammohun Roy and the ‘Conservative’ Overtones of His Liberal Sociopolitical Agenda

Rammohun Roy, the liberal reformer of the early nineteenth century, and perhaps the first Indian to comprehensively embrace the ideal of modernity, encountered a volley of criticisms during his lifetime and beyond. Of all this, the twin charges, that is, his reformist project denigrated India’s ancient sociocultural heritage and he acted as an unconscious tool of the British Empire in India, have recently gathered a new momentum in the context of the changing dynamics of Indian politics. This article seeks to engage with this line of argument by examining the political, social and religious dimensions of Roy’s thought and action. It is accepted that he was inspired by the ideals of Western modernity, which, he believed, held the key to the long-term intellectual, sociocultural, political and economic development of the Indians. He also supported the continuation of British rule at least for a period of time to allow wider dissemination of these progressive values in India and to pave the way for its all-round advance. It is contended, however, that neither did he intend to undermine India’s classical heritage, nor did he favour mindless aping of the West. On the contrary, he took ample care to integrate indigenous sociocultural components into his proposed roadmap for the future. Thus, his liberal agenda had evident ‘conservative’ underpinnings that arguably put a new spin on the idea of modernity.

Orchestrating self-empowerment in tribal India: Debt bondage, land rights, and the strategic uses of spirituality

Spirituality strategically enables self-empowerment in a clandestine movement of Adivasis which this paper calls ‘the Programme’. To explain how social movements and action organisations can orchestrate spirituality, this paper examines how the Programme helps landless rural people overcome debt bondage and gain land by employing spiritual repertoires. The paper addresses the question how, in the context of an increasingly tribalised politics in India, spiritual orchestration allows some Scheduled Tribes to make substantive economic gains, especially on debt freedom and land rights. The paper draws on an analysis of qualitative data collected through workshops, interviews and visits to villages across several Indian states, which has been anonymised to protect identities and avoid divulging sensitive information. The study finds that spirituality supports self-empowerment in three ways: first, it provides motivation and ideological reinforcement for people engaging in struggles against debt bondage and for land rights; second, it makes tribal identity more visible and helps groups make claims as indigenous owners; third, it offers groups protection from reprisals and creates platforms for engaging powerful actors. These findings are significant because, for activists and scholars who work with subaltern groups in India or other contexts, they demonstrate that the orchestration of spirituality can strengthen action repertoires for self-empowerment and help groups secure or protect economic and social gains. The paper adds insights to research on social movements and organisations on how to strengthen the ‘weapons of the weak’; it contributes empirical knowledge about how strategies to overcome debt and exploitation can succeed; and it underscores the importance of protecting freedom of religion and belief in development practice.

The Emergence of Leadership among the OBCs in the North Telangana- Nizamabad, Nirmal and Karimnagar Districts

ABSTRACT: The Indian Caste system is wide and varied. Hindus who form the largest majority in the country have always been mobilized on the caste basis, although the constitutional system explicitly discourages the practice of caste and creed, the political party system has been dominated by caste politics of various kinds. Caste has been able to develop a new form of political activity i.e. Caste sabha/Sangham – Caste association, which was primarily visible in the mid-nineteenth century. After independence, it became apparent that they would play a pivotal role in Indian politics. Political Leadership represents one of the most important forms of leadership. Social evolution and the sociological changes in society have brought many changes in the concept of political leadership. It is a very important concept that brings in political processes and outcomes. Political Mobilization and leadership have a crucial role to play in working towards achieving the required goals for OBCs in India. These are the two important concepts that involve coordination among individuals and organizing them to make a collective influence and bring about socio-political changes. OBC community in Telangana needs to work towards the attainment of political mobilization and in turn, develop good leadership who can take forward the community towards the attainment of set goals. The leadership needs to emerge out of the mobilization with the strong support of the common man. Telangana needs to see such a movement which can mobilise and strengthen the leadership towards the development of the OBC community.

Impact of COVID-19 on Indian politics: analyzing political leaders interactions and sentiments on Twitter

Impact of COVID-19 on Indian politics: analyzing political leaders interactions and sentiments on Twitter

Criminalization of Politics in India- A Conceptual Analysis

The criminalization of politics in India has accelerated at an alarming rate, endangering the survival of Indian democracy. This research paper provides information about this subject. It begins by outlining what political criminalization is and how it endangers democracy. The issue's current state, its underlying causes, and their numerous effects on the economy, society, politics, and other areas are then examined in detail. Because the problem is so serious, the Supreme Court has also issued a number of historic rulings to deal with it. Although the judiciary must take stronger action, fighting against this criminalization of politics and defending the nation's democracy is not just the judiciary's responsibility, it also falls on the government and the country's citizens

Banaras and Resurrection, 1781 and 1799

The political scenario of the eighteenth century in India is well known for its transitional character. The triumph of the East India Company at Plassey had an unexpected impact on the structure of Indian politics. Those who looked for opportunities in the Company rule very soon realised what the loss of power to the British meant. This article studies the factors behind the revolts in Banaras Raj against the Company in 1781 and then in 1799.

The Songs of Pyaasa - A Narrative within a Narrative

This article analyses how the songs of Pyaasa,1957 including musical and cinematic elements not only contribute to further the film’s narrative but also stands apart weaving its own narrative and themes relevant to current Indian politics and society. Five songs from Pyaasa are used to examine the objective of research. Each song including its lyrics and picturization is explored to understand the ways in which the song promoted the overall narrative of the film. Further, the songs are juxtaposed to the current Indian political and civilizational climate to highlight its relevance.

Collective Violence In India

Collective communal violence is one of the defining features of post-Independence Indian politics. Although Hindu-Muslim violence predominates, violence against Buddhists, Christians, Sikhs and Hindus (in states where they are a minority) is not unknown.

Women in Politics: Violence in Politics And Political Parties In India

Violence in politics poses a significant obstacle to women's participation in the field. It not only discourages women from pursuing political careers but also makes it challenging for those actively engaged in politics. Moreover, it tarnishes the reputation of women in the political landscape. In some cases, political violence is also employed to target women perceived as a risk to the established order. Violence in Indian politics is a persistent problem that hinders efforts to make politics more inclusive. Political parties have a crucial role to play in this regard. They should not only talk about non-violence but also actively discourage and condemn any promotion or tolerance of violence in politics. If more women can participate in the political process without any fear, it would be a significant step towards empowering women. It would have a major impact on how politics is conducted and perceived. This could lead to decreased aggressive political behaviour and a significant reduction in the likelihood of violence.

Exploring the Intersection of Tribal Identity and Indian Politics: A Comprehensive Analysis of Tribal Communities' Participation, Representation, and Influence in the Indian Political Landscape

The participation, representation, and influence of tribal communities within the Indian political landscape are the main points of this research paper's investigation of the complex relationship between tribal identity and Indian politics. Tribal communities make up a sizeable portion of India's diversified population with their unique cultural, social, and historical roots. This essay tries to give a thorough analysis of how tribal identity influences political engagement, including the difficulties they encounter, the degree of representation they achieve, and the influence of their involvement on policy-making. Furthermore, the research delves into the influence of tribal communities on policy-making, governance, and broader political narratives. It explores instances where tribal interests have converged with or diverged from national political agendas and the resultant impact on policy outcomes. Through an analysis of historical cases, contemporary case studies, and the narratives of tribal leaders, the study assesses the strategies employed by tribal communities to assert their demands and aspirations.

This World and the “Other”: Muslim Identity and Politics on the Indo-Bangladesh Border

This article investigates the “othering” of Muslims in two Northeast Indian states: Assam and Tripura, in a region known for its ethnic, linguistic and cultural diversity, and long history of militancy and civil unrest. Northeast Indian politics thrives on disagreement between “Us” and “Them” and tensions over illegal migration, drawing on overlapping or intersecting frames of “othering.” This study asks why and how the political “othering” of Muslims persists, and why the religious frame, or the Hindu–Muslim divide, is more salient in some parts of the region than in others. Drawing on fieldwork on the Indian side of the Indo-Bangladesh border in Tripura and southern Assam, historical records and contemporary print media archives, this study compares the role of Hindu–Muslim contention in the politics of the two neighboring states and finds reproduction of the Hindu–Muslim divide in Assam and resistance to Muslim “othering” in Tripura. The theoretical contribution of this article is to confront the concept of “othering” with colonial and post-colonial frameworks of representation to understand how contemporary non-Western “worlds of difference” capitalize on, reproduce and resist vestiges of colonial representations.

Marriage murders and anti-caste feminist politics in India

This paper investigates the complex nexus between inter-caste marriages and escalating caste politics in India. While much literature justifiably focuses on rising Islamophobia in the country, this paper considers the ‘love jihad’ phenomenon and extreme forms of violence against individuals in inter-caste or inter-religious marriages, particularly since 2014. The politics and practice of inter-caste choice marriages in India raise fundamental questions about the institution of marriage itself. The paper reviews relevant literature and draws on cases reported in the media to propose a deeper interpretation of the role of caste in marriage murders. It further explores several powerful critiques from the past of the institution and practice of arranged marriage in India. It concludes by highlighting the need for an anti-caste, feminist perspective in these debates, as increasing numbers of marriage murders have coincided with an exoticization of India's culture of arranged marriages and caste hierarchies globally.

Coalition politics in India? challenges and consquences

Coalition politics in India? challenges and consquences

Media Debates, Asymmetrical Argumentation, and the Nature of Violence in Indian Politics

Dialogue is often considered as a solution to reduce violent conflicts between different competing parties. Applying this logic of dialogue to reduce the possibility of violence holds validity. On the other hand, empirical evidence show that dialogues also resulted in violent conflicts, instead of ameliorating the situation. This paper focuses on this unique problem of applying dialogue as a remedy to violent conflicts in India with a special reference to media debates. Extended media including both mainstream and social media provided large spacefor dialogues regarding issues in the contemporary world. India is no exception to this fact. This paper critically analyses this entire discourse of media debates on contentious issues in India to test the hypothesis regarding the validity of dialogue as a remedy to prevent violence and chaos in Indian political context.

Local Government, Constitutional Democracy and Federal Predicaments in India

Local government can share the administrative workloads and tackle local affairs democratically and with better understanding. It serves as one of the cornerstones of building democracy from the grassroots level. The increasing trend of decentralisation of powers provides people a platform to take part directly in the functioning of democratic governments. Local government in India constitutes the third stratum of government. Local government has constantly been experiencing multiple challenges. One most notable challenge is the lack of fiscal autonomy. The wave of greater politicisation of local governments by the political parties is also incessantly increasing. Centralising local issues have become a typical norm in Indian politics. This definitely sows the seeds for the erosion of local democracy. The present article examines the constitutional journey of local governments in India. It further explores the ensuing fiscal and federal challenges unfolding in the local governments in India.

Contribution of Chandrashekar in Indian Politics

Contribution of Chandrashekar in Indian Politics