Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf

The Enduring Legacy of Rajni Kothari: Understanding Caste in Indian Politics

Rajni Kothari’s Caste in Indian Politics argues that caste acts as a dynamic organizational structure that is actively politicized, rather than a barrier to modern democracy. By examining caste as a tool for political mobilization, the work highlights how traditional social structures adapt to compete for power and resources. Further details are available via LBSNAA catalog . Caste in Indian Politics Rajni Kothari | PDF - Scribd

1. Fragmentation: Kothari argued that the Indian polity was characterized by a process of fragmentation, where caste-based groups and parties proliferated, leading to a disaggregation of the electorate along caste lines.
2. Integration: Despite fragmentation, Kothari noted that the Indian polity also exhibited a process of integration, where caste-based groups and parties interacted and negotiated with each other, often forming alliances and accommodations.

Useful Summary: Rajni Kothari on Caste in Indian Politics

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• Ritual hierarchy (purity/pollution) gives way to numerical strength, economic resources, and political bargaining power.
• Caste becomes a secular tool for mobilizing votes and forming coalitions.

• Counter to Modernization Theory: At a time when Western scholars predicted caste would disappear with urbanization and elections, Kothari provided empirical evidence of its resilience and transformation.
• Framework for Indian Political Analysis: This text became foundational for understanding caste-based parties (like the BSP, SP, RJD) and the role of Other Backward Classes (OBCs) in Indian democracy.
• Relevance Today: The arguments remain highly relevant for analyzing contemporary issues such as caste census, reservation politics, and identity-based mobilization.

Caste and Electoral Politics

: 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. The Enduring Legacy of Rajni Kothari: Understanding Caste