Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf New! -

Introduction

Kothari’s core arguments on caste and politics

• Caste as a political category, not just social identity: Kothari emphasized that caste operates politically — organizing interests, loyalties, and mobilization — rather than being only a social or ritual status.
• Patron-client relationships: He argued Indian politics often function through patronage networks where caste acts as a channel for exchange between leaders (patrons) and followers (clients).
• Decentralization of political power: In Kothari’s view, caste-based local leadership often shapes political outcomes more than formal institutions, especially in rural areas.
• Fragmentation and coalition politics: Caste cleavages contribute to the fragmentation of political representation, making coalition-building and regional parties central to Indian democracy.
• Caste and modernization: Kothari challenged deterministic views that economic development or urbanization would automatically diminish caste’s political salience; instead, caste adapts and reconfigures within modern political structures.
• Role of civil society and social movements: He noted that caste-based mobilization could be both a vehicle for social justice (e.g., Dalit movements) and a source of exclusion, depending on leadership and political context.

• 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 as a Political Resource: Kothari and other scholars have noted that caste serves as a significant political resource. Political parties often use caste as a mobilizing force to garner support from various caste groups. This is particularly evident in the way parties select their candidates and in the promises they make to specific caste groups. Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf

The “Book” Behind the PDF: Which Work Are We Referring To?

Let’s clarify the bibliographical confusion. Rajni Kothari wrote several works dealing with caste: Caste as a political category, not just social

7. Citation (Sample)
Kothari, Rajni, ed. Caste in Indian Politics. New Delhi: Orient Longman, 1970. (See especially [relevant chapter/page 15]). Counter to Modernization Theory: At a time when

Caste in Indian politics / edited by Rajni Kothari - LBSNAA catalog

Conclusion