State Politics in India

Course Type	Course Code	No. Of Credits
Discipline Core	NSUS1PO605	4

Course Coordinator and Team: SES Faculty

Email of course coordinator: pcbabed@aud.ac.in

Pre-requisites: No

Course Description:

In a federal system, states have an impact on the national system and are in turn affected by it. While evaluating political changes in the States, which are the building blocks of the broader political system, is crucial to a proper understanding of the Indian political system, national politics have an impact on the States as well. Because of this interdependent position, studying State Politics in India has gained significant importance. This course looks at the similarities, differences, and viewpoints that can be used to understand state politics in India. Additionally, it aims to analyse how caste, class, and community roles have changed over time and how it has affected state politics.

Course Objectives:

To enable students to understand the dynamics of state politics in India and the role it plays in shaping the national politics.
To familiarize students with salient issues and concerns within State Politics in India

Course Outcomes:

Students would be able to learn the key drivers of state politics in India. The students will be able to explain how caste, religion, language have influenced the identity politics in India.
Students will be familiarized to the determinants and salient features of state politics in India.
Students will be able to understand the historical process of state formation in India
Students will understand grassroot governance and its impact on state politics in India

Brief Description of the Modules

Module 1: Historical Evolution of the States in India

This module will focus on the historical evolution of the states in India since independence. It will introduce how the historical evolution of states in India has been a complex and diverse process, reflecting a rich tapestry of political, cultural, and social developments over several millennia. India's political landscape has witnessed significant transformations over the centuries, reflecting a dynamic interplay of various cultures, religions, and political systems. The diversity of states and union territories in contemporary India is a testament to its historical evolution and the complex process of nation-building. This module intends to bring out this complexity of the evolution of states in India.

Module 2: Determinants of State Politics in India

In this module the focus would be on the major determinants of state politics in India. Understanding the determinants of state politics in India requires a nuanced analysis of the specific context, dynamics, and historical evolution of each state. The intricate interplay of these factors contributes to the diverse and dynamic nature of state-level politics in the country. The determinants of state politics in India are multifaceted and influenced by a combination of historical, cultural, social, economic, and political factors. This module will focus on this diverse nature of the Indian polity and the federal structure of governance that contribute to a complex interplay of forces at the state level.

Module 3: Evolution of Regional Parties in India

The evolution of regional parties in India is a dynamic and multifaceted process that has significantly shaped the country's political landscape. These parties, often rooted in regional aspirations, identity, and specific socio-economic concerns, play a crucial role in representing the diverse interests of different states. This module will focus on the evolution of regional parties in India since independence and how it reflects the complex interplay of historical, linguistic, cultural, and socio-economic factors. It will discuss how these parties have not only shaped regional politics but also played pivotal roles in national governance, contributing to the federal character of India's political system.

Module 4: Identity Politics: Caste and Language

Identity politics in India, often centered around caste and language, has been a significant and enduring feature of the country's political landscape. These identity-based factors play a crucial role in shaping political affiliations, mobilizing support, and influencing policy decisions. Identity politics, whether based on caste or language, reflects the complexities of India's social fabric. While it provides a platform for historically marginalized groups to assert their rights and identity, it also poses challenges in terms of fostering broader national unity and addressing the diverse needs of the population. This module will explore these factors and how they have shaped or shape state and national politics.

Module 5: Grassroot Governance and its impact on State Politics

Grassroot governance, often referred to as local or community-level governance, involves decision-making and administration at the grassroots level, closer to the people and communities affected by policies. The impact of grassroot governance on state politics is significant, contributing to democratic decentralization, local development, and community empowerment. This module will focus on all these impacts along with the evolution of the idea of grassroot governance in the Indian context. It will explore how grassroot governance significantly influences state politics in India by promoting democratic principles, empowering local communities, and fostering responsive and accountable administration. This module will help in developing an understanding on how grassroot governance serves as a vital link between the needs and aspirations of citizens and the broader political landscape, contributing to more inclusive and participatory governance.

Assessment Plan:

Assessment	Weightage
Assignment 1: In-class quizzes and short response notes.	30%
Assignment 2: Field-based exercises in the form of photo-voice/story and/or presentations	30%
Assignment 3: End-term assessment	40

References:

Weiner, Myron “Political Development in the Indian State”, Weiner, Myron (ed.) (1968). State Politics in India, Princeton: Princeton University Press, pp. 3-60
Hasan, Zoya. “Introduction: The Political Career of the State in Independent India” in Hasan, Zoya (ed.) (2000). Politics and the State in India. New Delhi: Sage Publications
Kothari, Rajni (1970) (Reprint 2005). Politics in India. Delhi: Orient Longman. pp.1-20 and 102-154
Austin, G. (1999). Working A Democratic Constitution: A History of the Indian Experience. Oxford University Press.
Ziegfeld, Adam. Why Regional Parties?: Clientelism, Elites, and the Indian Party System. Cambridge University Press (2016), “Introduction” and Ch1-“Definition and Description: Regional Political Parties in India”
Kothari, R. (1970). ‘Introduction’ in Caste in Indian Politics. Delhi: Orient Longman
Bhambhri, C. (2005). Reservations and Casteism. Economic and Political Weekly, 40(9), pp. 806-808.
D. L. Seth “Changing Terms of Elite Discourse: The Case of Reservation for ‘Other Backward Classes’” in Hasan, Zoya (ed.) (2000). Politics and the State in India. New Delhi: Sage Publications
Chakrabarty, Bidyut Rajendra Kumar Pandey. Indian Government and Politics. Sage, 2008. pp. 269-293.
L. C. Jain. “Introduction”. In L. C. Jain (ed.). Decentralization and Local Governance Orient Longman, 2005. pp. 1-9
Mark Robinson. “A Decade of Panchayati Raj Reforms: The Challenge of Democratic Decentralization in India”. In L. C. Jain (ed.). Decentralization and Local Governance Orient Longman, 2005. pp. 10-30.
World Bank. 2000. Reforming Public Institutions and Strengthening Governance: A World Bank Strategy. Washington, DC: World Bank Publications