Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf Jun 2026
Chandra, K. (2004). Party Polity: Dynamics of Indian Party Politics. Delhi: Sage Publications.
Rajni Kothari’s "Caste in Indian Politics" (1970) provides a seminal analysis of how traditional social structures and modern democratic processes interact, challenging the belief that modernization would eliminate caste [1]. Kothari argues that caste and democracy are symbiotic, with democratic mobilization transforming caste into a dynamic vehicle for political representation through a three-stage process: secularization, integration, and differentiation [1]. Share public link
Kothari argued that the Indian party system relies on a "federative" structure.
The arguments made in Caste in Indian Politics are not merely of historical interest; they remain acutely relevant to understanding Indian politics today. The logic of caste-based political mobilization has only deepened and diversified since 1970. The rise of powerful caste-based parties, the implementation of the Mandal Commission report (which extended reservations to Other Backward Classes), and the continued centrality of caste in electoral strategies and coalition politics all stand as direct testaments to Kothari's foresight. Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf
A sharp critic of both economic reductionism and abstract modernization theory, he argued for a rigorous, ground-up understanding of how democracy actually functioned in a complex, traditional society. His legacy is that of a theorist who correctly identified the political centrality of caste at a time when most scholars dismissed it as a diminishing force.
This study examines the Mahars of Maharashtra, a community prominently associated with Dr. B.R. Ambedkar. It provides a historical account of how this Scheduled Caste group learned to use political mobilization as a tool for social uplift and assertion, laying the groundwork for later Dalit politics.
Caste, a centuries-old social hierarchy, has been a defining feature of Indian society. The Indian Constitution, adopted in 1950, formally abolished caste-based discrimination, but the social and political realities of caste persisted. As India transitioned to a democratic polity, caste began to play a significant role in shaping the country's politics. The 1960s and 1970s witnessed the rise of caste-based mobilization, with various groups asserting their claims for representation, power, and resources. Chandra, K
Kothari directly engaged with and rejected three common perspectives on caste in politics:
References: Kothari, R. (1970). Caste in Indian Politics. Delhi: Eastern Book Company.
Rajni Kothari (1928–2015) was a leading Indian political scientist whose writings deeply influenced understanding of Indian democracy, political institutions, and social cleavages. One major theme in his work is how caste shapes political behavior, party systems, and democratic practice in India. This post summarizes Kothari’s key ideas on caste and politics, explains their contemporary relevance, and suggests ways to use his insights for further study or classroom use. Delhi: Sage Publications
Readers may also find the following resources useful:
Kothari's work engaged with and popularized the concept of the a term developed by the anthropologist M. N. Srinivas. A dominant caste was not necessarily the highest in ritual ranking (like Brahmins) but one that wielded substantial power due to a combination of factors: numerical strength, ownership of land and economic resources, and political influence. These castes often acted as key power brokers in their regions.
