To understand the power of Kothari’s argument, one must revisit the India of the late 1960s. The Congress system was showing cracks. Non-Congress coalitions were rising. The Green Revolution was altering rural power equations. And yet, most political analysis still treated caste as a primordial, irrational obstacle to modernity.
These texts offer valuable insights into the complexities of Indian politics, caste, and democracy. Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf
: The Indian party system has evolved in a context where caste plays a crucial role. The Congress party, which dominated Indian politics for decades, often managed a broad coalition of caste groups. The rise of regional parties and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) has also been linked to caste dynamics, with some parties explicitly representing the interests of certain caste groups. To understand the power of Kothari’s argument, one
This article explores Kothari’s thesis on how caste—a traditional social structure—has been transformed by modern democratic politics, a process that in turn has altered the nature of politics itself. 1. The Core Thesis: Politicization of Caste The Green Revolution was altering rural power equations
The most probable source document for this filename is Kothari’s groundbreaking essay, (1970), which served as the introductory chapter to the influential edited volume Caste in Indian Politics (Orient Longman, 1970). Alternatively, it could refer to a section of his magnum opus, Politics in India (1970).
The persistence of caste in Indian politics underscores the challenges of building a more inclusive, equitable society. As India moves forward, it is essential to acknowledge the legacy of Kothari's work and its continued relevance in understanding the intricate dynamics of caste and politics.
Rajni Kothari’s "Caste in Indian Politics" (1970) theorizes that Indian democracy functions through the "politicization of caste," where traditional caste structures are utilized for modern political mobilization, rather than disappearing. Kothari argues that this interaction, moving through stages of polarization and internal competition to secular integration, has enabled marginalized groups to enter the political process and strengthened democratic legitimacy. Read a summary of Kothari's work at Scribd . KOTHARI, (ed.), "Caste in Indian Politics" (Book Review)