4-3: Caste, Society and Politics in India from the Eighteenth Century to the Modern Age | Susan Bayly (1999) | Volume IV: The evolution of contemporary South Asia | The New Cambridge History of India

Caste, Society and Politics in India from the Eighteenth Century to the Modern Age | Susan Bayly (1999)

Overview

"Caste, Society, and Politics in India from the Eighteenth Century to the Modern Age” by Susan Bayly significantly enhances our comprehension of the evolution and impact of caste on Indian society and politics, spanning from the late Mughal era to contemporary times. Released in 1999 within The New Cambridge History of India series, this work investigates caste not as a static tradition but as a vibrant and historically influenced system that interacts with colonialism, nationalism, democracy, and globalization.
Combining elements of historical analysis, sociological perspective, and anthropological detail, Susan Bayly's book serves as an essential tool for grasping the complexities of caste within various Indian contexts, both rural and urban, as well as pre-modern and modern.

Key Themes and Highlights

Caste Before Colonialism

Bayly starts with the late Mughal period, revealing that caste was an already malleable and regionally varied institution:

• The jati and varna systems functioned uniquely in different areas.
• Caste was intertwined with land ownership, service roles, and temple hierarchies, rather than being solely about religious purity.
• Local negotiations often determined power and status.

Colonialism and the Codification of Caste

A primary claim of this book is that British colonial practices redefined and "fixed" caste:

• The ten-year censuses, ethnographic studies, and legal frameworks pushed Indians to classify themselves within strict caste systems.
• Colonial authorities perceived caste as a hereditary, racial, and unchanging trait of Indian existence.
• This led to the establishment of caste identities, frequently reinforcing societal divisions.

Caste and Indian Nationalism

Bayly delves into the interaction between nationalist movements and caste:

• Reformers like Gandhi promoted concepts of spiritual unity and the advancement of the “Harijans” (Dalits).
• Conversely, Ambedkar outright rejected caste in Hinduism, advocating for social equity, access to education, and political rights for Dalits.
• Caste surfaced as a vital aspect in discussions surrounding representation, affirmative actions, and national identity.

Caste in Modern Indian Politics

In the period following independence, caste has continued to play a critical role in Indian democracy:

• Implementation of affirmative action policies (reservations) for Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, and Other Backward Classes (OBCs).
• Emergence of political parties founded on caste lines, such as the BSP (Bahujan Samaj Party).
• Bayly illustrates the evolution of caste from a social hierarchy into a political identity, influencing electoral tactics, governmental policies, and civil activism.

Globalization and New Caste Identities

In the concluding sections, Bayly examines the ways urbanization, migration, and globalization influence caste:

• The emergence of a Dalit middle class within urban settings.
• The friction between traditional values and modernity, as younger generations question caste roles.
• Nonetheless, caste continues to hold importance in marriage, social connections, and local power dynamics.

About the Author: Susan Bayly

Susan Bayly is an esteemed British anthropologist and historian associated with Cambridge University.

• Her expertise lies in Indian society, caste systems, and religious studies.
• Her writing artfully combines historical storytelling with ethnographic investigation, offering a thorough understanding of social transformations in India.
• She is widely respected for her impartial, scholarly, and approachable writing style.

Why This Book Matters

• This book represents one of the most credible examinations of caste within a historical framework.
• It challenges the prevailing notion that caste is eternal or exclusively religious in nature.
• The text provides a nuanced perspective on caste as both a source of oppression and a system that can adapt.
• It is essential for comprehending the implications of caste on contemporary politics, legislation, and identity formation.

Who Should Read This?

• Individuals studying Indian history, sociology, anthropology, and political science.
• Investigators focused on caste, social reform, and South Asian research.
• Candidates preparing for competitive examinations (UPSC, CSS) that involve social structures and Indian governance.
• Anyone aiming to gain a more profound insight into the historical development of caste.
  

4-2: Women in Modern India | Geraldine Forbes (1996) | Volume IV: The evolution of contemporary South Asia | The New Cambridge History of India

Women in Modern India | Geraldine Forbes (1996)

Overview

Women in Modern India by Geraldine Forbes is a significant contribution to The New Cambridge History of India series that delves into the social, political, cultural, and economic evolution of Indian women from the 19th century through the post-independence period. Released in 1996, this volume provides a detailed chronological and thematic exploration of how colonialism, nationalism, and modernization altered the roles and rights of women in Indian society.
Forbes's research is particularly notable for amplifying women's voices, reform movements, and the agency of Indian women within a colonial and patriarchal framework.

Key Themes and Highlights

Colonialism and the “Woman Question”

The book opens with an analysis of how British colonial dominance reshaped views on Indian women:

• British evaluations of practices such as Sati, child marriage, and purdah as indicators of Indian “backwardness”
• The rise of the “woman question” within colonial discussions: What reforms could be introduced to Indian society while adhering to its cultural identity?
• The impact of colonial legislation and education on initial reforms

Social Reform Movements

Forbes discusses the 19th-century social reform initiatives spearheaded by prominent figures such as:

• Raja Ram Mohan Roy, Ishwar Chandra Vidyasagar, and Jyotirao Phule
• Focus on female education, the remarriage of widows, and the elimination of detrimental customs
• The rise of educated middle-class women actively engaging in reform and public affairs

Women and Nationalism

One compelling segment of the book examines Indian women's involvement in the struggle for independence:

• Annie Besant, Sarojini Naidu, Kasturba Gandhi, Aruna Asaf Ali, among others, took significant roles
• Gandhi’s initiatives promoted women's widespread participation through spinning, protests, and picketing
• The symbolic presence of “Mother India” and its influence on national identity

Post-Independence India: Progress and Struggles

Following 1947, Indian women achieved legal equality through:

• The enactment of the Hindu Code Bills, affording women rights in inheritance and marriage
• Greater access to education and employment opportunities
• Engagement in politics, with leaders like Indira Gandhi ascending to the role of Prime Minister

Nonetheless, the book also addresses ongoing issues:

• Gender-based violence, dowry murders, and restricted educational access in rural areas
• The rise of the women’s movement in the 1970s and 1980s, advocating for reproductive rights, justice, and equality

Regional and Religious Diversity

Forbes emphasizes the varied experiences of Indian women across caste, class, religion, and geographical regions:

• Challenges faced by Muslim women concerning purdah and personal laws
• The double marginalization of Dalit and Adivasi women
• Regional studies illustrating diverse roles in familial structures, economies, and social activism

About the Author: Geraldine Forbes

Geraldine Forbes is a prominent historian and professor emerita at the State University of New York, Oswego.

• She specializes in South Asian history and women's studies.
• Her research is recognized for giving representation to non-elite and regional women.
• Forbes's work is esteemed in feminist historiography and widely utilized in academic settings.

Why This Book Is Important

• This is the first thorough academic history of women in modern India.
• It draws on personal diaries, letters, speeches, court documents, and memoirs of Indian women.
• It aids readers in comprehending the continuity and evolution of gender roles within Indian society.
• This book serves as an essential resource for both historical insights and contemporary discussions on gender.

Who Should Read This?

• Students engaged in women's studies, Indian historical perspectives, or postcolonial analysis
• Scholars and researchers focused on gender issues, reform initiatives, and societal transformation
• UPSC/CSS candidates seeking understanding of gender dynamics and social reform
• Individuals with an interest in feminist narratives and Indian societal structure
  

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
  

3-6: The Indian Princes and Their States | Barbara N. Ramusack (2004) | Volume III: The British Raj | The New Cambridge History of India

The Indian Princes and Their States | Barbara N. Ramusack (2004)

Overview

"The Indian Princes and Their States" by Barbara N. Ramusack provides a thorough and scholarly examination of the princely states in India during British colonial domination. As part of The New Cambridge History of India series, this 2004 publication emphasizes the significant yet frequently neglected position of Indian rulers—Maharajas, Nawabs, and other indigenous princes—who wielded authority over almost 40% of British India’s lands during the colonial period.
This work acts as an extensive political, social, and cultural narrative of princely India, spanning from the late 18th century through to independence in 1947.

Key Themes and Insights

The Rise and Role of the Princely States

Ramusack initiates her analysis by outlining the historical evolution of princely states in India, particularly following the fall of the Mughal Empire. With British paramountcy established:

• Numerous Indian princes maintained a facade of sovereignty under indirect British rule.
• The British instituted treaties, subsidiary alliances, and tribute systems with the princely rulers.
• These agreements enabled British control over Indian regions with minimal direct governance.

British Policy and Paramountcy

The text elucidates how British policies relating to Indian princes developed over time:

• Early alliances forged during the East India Company era.
• Subsequent moves by the Crown to depict the princes as loyal supporters of the British Empire.
• The concept of "paramountcy" bestowed Britain with ultimate power, while still granting internal autonomy within the princely territories.

Governance and Modernization in Princely States

Ramusack explores the governance practices of various princely states:

• Certain rulers initiated reforms, public projects, education, and improvements in infrastructure.
• Others earned a reputation for indulgence and mismanagement, leading to British intervention.
• The book contrasts progressive leaders like Sayajirao Gaekwad of Baroda with more conservative princely domains.

Royal Culture, Identity, and Patronage

A key focus of the text is how Indian princes shaped their identities and claims to legitimacy:

• Patronage of temples, mosques, festivals, and various arts.
• Embracing British-style attire, educational systems, and court customs.
• Development of a blended royal culture that merges traditional Indian values with imperial influences.

The Princes and Indian Nationalism

The princes' involvement in the Indian independence movement presents a multifaceted picture:

• Some collaborated with British interests, apprehensive about losing their privileges.
• Others backed reformist or nationalist movements, particularly during the 1930s and 1940s.
• The integration of princely states post-1947, orchestrated by Sardar Patel and V. P. Menon, represents a critical transition detailed in the book.

About the Author: Barbara N. Ramusack

Barbara Nelle Ramusack is a noted historian focused on South Asian studies, gender issues, and the politics of royal India.

• She holds the title of Professor Emerita at the University of Cincinnati.
• Her extensive archival research and examination of women, power, and sovereignty in colonial India have garnered recognition.
• This book is frequently referenced in academic discussions concerning Indian princely states and colonial governance.

Why This Book Is Important

• It emphasizes the intermediary function of Indian princes within the colonial framework.
• Clarifies the interaction between princely governance and British imperial power.
• Provides perspectives on the intricate process of decolonization and the unification of India.
• Illustrates the varied political systems thriving alongside each other within the colonial context.

Who Should Read This?

• Students focusing on the history of South Asia, political science, or studies on colonialism
• Scholars investigating indirect governance, indigenous elites, or the processes of decolonization
• Individuals intrigued by the themes of royalty, culture, and contemporary issues in India
• Candidates preparing for UPSC or CSS exams, specifically in the areas of history or political science