4-1: The Politics of India Since Independence | Paul R. Brass (1994) | Volume IV: The evolution of contemporary South Asia | The New Cambridge History of India

The Politics of India Since Independence | Paul R. Brass (1994)

Overview

Paul R. Brass’s The Politics of India Since Independence (1994) is a pivotal contribution to the New Cambridge History of India series that meticulously investigates the political evolution of independent India from 1947 until the early 1990s. Recognized as a prominent expert in Indian politics, Brass delivers a comprehensive, impartial, and perceptive exploration of India's transformation from a colonial regime into the world’s largest democracy, amidst challenges stemming from internal diversity, political turbulence, and socioeconomic issues.
This publication is a vital tool for grasping the progression of democratic institutions, political entities, regional dynamics, communal tensions, and federalism within postcolonial India.

Key Themes and Highlights

Building the Democratic State

The book commences with an extensive examination of:

• The establishment of democratic institutions following 1947
• The formulation and importance of the Indian Constitution
• The early supremacy of the Congress Party under figures such as Jawaharlal Nehru, Lal Bahadur Shastri, and Indira Gandhi

Brass underscores the distinct challenge of preserving democracy in a society characterized by multiple ethnicities, languages, and religions.

Electoral Politics and Party System

A significant emphasis is placed on the progression of political parties:

• The ascent and subsequent decline of Congress’s one-party supremacy
• The rise of regional parties and the advent of coalition governance
• The Janata movement, the Emergency (1975–77), and the restoration of democracy
• The development of the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and Leftist parties

Brass scrutinizes how Indian voters have influenced a dynamic, if tumultuous, electoral democracy.

Regionalism and Federal Challenges

The theme of India’s federal structure recurs throughout:

• Strains between the central authority and regional governments
• Calls for states based on linguistic and ethnic lines (e.g., Telangana, Assam, Punjab)
• The impact of regional leaders such as M. G. Ramachandran, Jyoti Basu, and others

Brass assesses the ongoing balancing act between national cohesion and regional self-governance over the years.

Communalism, Caste, and Identity Politics

The book delves into:

• The escalation of Hindu-Muslim discord, particularly post-Babri Masjid demolition (1992)
• Heightened political organization around caste issues (e.g., Mandal Commission)
• The emergence of identity-driven movements (e.g., Dalit politics, OBC empowerment)

Brass contends that identity politics serves as both a challenge and a manifestation of advancing democracy, affording representation to historically marginalized communities.

Decline of Institutions and Rise of Populism

Brass examines the deterioration of institutions:

• The politicization of bureaucracy, the judiciary, and law enforcement
• The surge of corruption, patronage politics, and criminal involvement
• The influence of mass media and the expanding civil society on political dialogue

About the Author: Paul R. Brass

Paul R. Brass (1936–2022) was an esteemed political scientist and faculty member at the University of Washington.

• Focused on the fields of Indian politics, ethnic disputes, and nationalism
• His extensive field research and published works have contributed significantly to the international understanding of post-independence India
• He authored other distinguished titles, including Language, Religion and Politics in North India and The Production of Hindu-Muslim Violence in Contemporary India.

Why This Book Is Important

• Offers a comprehensive overview of India's political evolution from 1947 to 1994
• Integrates historical analysis with modern political insights
• Investigates both institutional advancement and grassroots activism
• Crucial for grasping contemporary issues in India's democracy, including communalism, caste politics, and regionalism.

Target Audience

• Political science, history, or South Asian studies students
• UPSC/CSS candidates seeking insights into post-independence Indian political dynamics
• Scholars of comparative politics and democratic frameworks
• Interested readers wanting to understand how India developed into a robust democracy