DOC Hindu-Muslim Riots by Richard D. Lambert in History

Description

After Independence the Nehruvian approach to socialism in India rested upon three pillars: secularism and democracy in the political domain; state intervention in the economy; and diplomatic Non-Alignment mitigated by pro-Soviet leanings after the 1960s. These features defined the "Indian model;" and even the country's political identity. From this starting point Christophe Jaffrelot explores the manner in which some of these dimensions have been transformed over the course of time; more especially since the 1980-90s. The world's largest democracy has sustained itself by making more room; not only for the vernacular politicians of the linguistic states; but also for Dalits and OBCs; at least after the Mandal Commission report. But the simultaneous--and related--rise of Hindu nationalism has put the minorities--and secularism--on the defensive; and in many ways the rule of law is on trial too. The liberalisaton of the economy has resulted in growth but not necessarily in development: while the new middle class is changing the face of urban India; the rural areas lag behind and inequalities have become more acute. India has also acquired a new global status; that of an emerging power seeking new political and economic partnerships in Asia and in the West; where the United States remains the first choice of the Indian middle class. The traditional Nehruvian system is giving way to a less cohesive but a more active India; a country that has already become what it is against all the odds. Christophe Jaffrelot tracks India's tumultuous journey of recent decades; exploring the role of religion; caste and politics in weaving the fabric of a modern democratic state.