In "Caste in Indian Politics" (1970), Rajni Kothari argues that the interaction between traditional caste structures and modern democracy leads to the "politicization of caste," where caste functions as a crucial organizing unit for political mobilization. Kothari contends that this process enables the secularization of caste, transforming traditional identities into interest groups seeking power, education, and representation within a democratic framework. A digital version of this work can be found at Internet Archive KOTHARI, (ed.), "Caste in Indian Politics" (Book Review)
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He argued that modern politics breaks the vertical bonds and strengthens the horizontal ones. A Chamar (Dalit) in village A has more political common cause with a Chamar in village B than with his own upper-caste landlord. By Page 15, Kothari is already dismantling the myth of the self-sufficient village community.
- The Politicization of Caste: Caste groups use democratic means (voting, lobbying, forming parties) to secure economic and political benefits.
- Secularization of Caste: Caste’s ritual hierarchy weakens, but its numerical strength and solidarity become tools for bargaining.
- Caste as a Balancing Force: In a fragmented party system, caste groups act as intermediaries between the individual voter and the state.
- Elite Formation: Dominant castes (e.g., Patidars, Lingayats, Yadavs) use politics to maintain or improve their social status.
- The “Vote Bank” Phenomenon: Political parties appeal to caste identities to secure bloc votes, thereby reinforcing caste consciousness.
Since I cannot directly access or open your specific PDF file, I will generate a useful, original summary of the core arguments Rajni Kothari made about caste in Indian politics, which you can use for study, reference, or annotation alongside your document.
In Indian Politics 15.pdf [upd] - Rajni Kothari Caste
In "Caste in Indian Politics" (1970), Rajni Kothari argues that the interaction between traditional caste structures and modern democracy leads to the "politicization of caste," where caste functions as a crucial organizing unit for political mobilization. Kothari contends that this process enables the secularization of caste, transforming traditional identities into interest groups seeking power, education, and representation within a democratic framework. A digital version of this work can be found at Internet Archive KOTHARI, (ed.), "Caste in Indian Politics" (Book Review)
Would you like: (A) a full 800–1,200-word blog draft ready to publish, (B) a shorter 300–400-word summary, or (C) a list of citations and further reading? Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf
He argued that modern politics breaks the vertical bonds and strengthens the horizontal ones. A Chamar (Dalit) in village A has more political common cause with a Chamar in village B than with his own upper-caste landlord. By Page 15, Kothari is already dismantling the myth of the self-sufficient village community. In "Caste in Indian Politics" (1970), Rajni Kothari
- The Politicization of Caste: Caste groups use democratic means (voting, lobbying, forming parties) to secure economic and political benefits.
- Secularization of Caste: Caste’s ritual hierarchy weakens, but its numerical strength and solidarity become tools for bargaining.
- Caste as a Balancing Force: In a fragmented party system, caste groups act as intermediaries between the individual voter and the state.
- Elite Formation: Dominant castes (e.g., Patidars, Lingayats, Yadavs) use politics to maintain or improve their social status.
- The “Vote Bank” Phenomenon: Political parties appeal to caste identities to secure bloc votes, thereby reinforcing caste consciousness.
Since I cannot directly access or open your specific PDF file, I will generate a useful, original summary of the core arguments Rajni Kothari made about caste in Indian politics, which you can use for study, reference, or annotation alongside your document. The Politicization of Caste: Caste groups use democratic