Democracy and Inequality in India: Political Economy of a Troubled Giant by Atul Kohli, Kanta Murali ISBN 9781108471831, 9781108458559, 9781108559287, 1108471838, 1108458556, 110855928X instant download

Democracy and Inequality in India: Political Economy of a Troubled Giant by Atul Kohli, Kanta Murali ISBN 9781108471831, 9781108458559, 9781108559287, 1108471838, 1108458556, 110855928X instant download

Contemporary India provides a giant and complex panorama that deserves to be understood. Through in-depth analysis of democracy, economic growth and distribution, caste, labour, gender, and foreign policy, Atul Kohli and Kanta Murali provide a framework for understanding recent political and economic developments. They make three key arguments. Firstly, that India's well-established democracy is currently under considerable strain. Secondly, that the roots of this decline can be attributed to the growing inequalities accompanying growth since the 1990s. Growing inequalities led to the decline of the Congress party and the rise of the BJP under Narendra Modi. In turn, the BJP and its Hindu-nationalist affiliates have used state power to undermine democracy and to target Indian Muslims. Finally, they highlight how various social groups reacted to macro-level changes, although the results of their activism have not always been substantial. Essential reading for anyone wishing to understand democracy in India today.

Provides an in-depth analysis of topics including democracy, economic growth and distribution, labor, gender, civil society, foreign policy, and regional differences

Makes a distinct scholarly argument on contemporary democracy while remaining accessible to students and general readers

Offers a balanced perspective that highlights India's achievements as well as challenges since the 1980s

DOI: 10.1017/9781108559287