Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf Jun 2026

When Kothari began his research, social science disciplines in India were dominated by Marxist categories of class analysis. His emphasis on caste as an alternative analytical category was initially met with skepticism by contemporaries. As historian Harbans Mukhia noted, "In the early 1970s it was seen with skepticism by contemporaries, but it became relevant later when political parties began to mobilise on caste grounds". This foresight proved remarkably prescient, as caste-based mobilization became a defining feature of Indian politics from the 1990s onward.

By rejecting the simple narrative of a clash between tradition and modernity, Kothari provided a sophisticated, realistic, and profoundly influential account of how India's ancient social structures have been repurposed to serve the ends of its democratic republic. Caste in Indian Politics remains an indispensable read for anyone seeking to understand the complexities and paradoxes of contemporary India. Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf

This study focuses on the political rivalry between two dominant agrarian castes of Andhra Pradesh—the Reddis and Kammas . It explores how caste identities often manifest as political factions, creating a deeply competitive and factionalized political landscape. When Kothari began his research, social science disciplines

Kothari directly engaged with and rejected three common perspectives on caste in politics: This study focuses on the political rivalry between

The 2010 second edition, revised by James Manor and published by Orient BlackSwan, adds an extended prologue that brings the analysis up to date. Manor, the Emeka Anyaoku Professor at the Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London, discusses "how the waning effects of caste hierarchies have had widespread consequences for the voting patterns of the jati-clusters or caste groups". This edition "picks up from where Kothari and others had left off, and thus serves as a seminal collection that is completely contemporary".

Nearly five decades after its original publication, "Caste in Indian Politics" remains remarkably relevant. It provides an indispensable framework for understanding contemporary Indian politics, from the rise of caste-based parties to the dynamics of electoral alliances and the ongoing politics of social justice. As one scholar noted, "Can one today imagine any study of Indian politics without caste?". The book's refusal to see tradition and modernity as opposites offers a powerful lens for interpreting a country where ancient hierarchies are constantly being reshaped by the modern forces of democracy and development.

: During elections, caste becomes a critical factor. Voters often align along caste lines, although this is not the sole determinant of voting behavior. The literature also discusses how caste is used in the electoral process, including the nomination of candidates from specific castes to attract votes.