$ 0
0
Political scientist Zoya Hasan described Kothari as "one of the country's most respected public intellectuals" whose work had "an enduring influence on the study of Indian politics". Ashis Nandy, writing in the foreword to Kothari's collected writings, captured his distinctive contribution: "Rajni Kothari dared to be what he was—an Indian political scientist...in love with the idea and practice of democracy, who did not think democracy was an imported luxury but an indigenous cultural strand in continuity with an iniquitous, segmented but nonetheless highly plural society comfortable with radical diversity".
If you are reading the PDF today, you might find it interesting to contrast Kothari’s view (written largely in the 1960s/70s) with today's reality:
At a time when many social scientists, particularly those influenced by Marxist thought, prioritized class as the primary lens for analysis, Kothari's focus on caste was a significant departure. By arguing for caste as a valid and critical analytical category in its own right, he provided a powerful alternative framework that offered more nuanced and grounded explanations for India's unique political trajectory. Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf
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.
If page 15 is part of a chapter, it may contain: Political scientist Zoya Hasan described Kothari as "one
The second edition also reflects how Kothari's arguments have stood the test of time. As one reviewer noted, the book remains "a classic collection edited by Rajni Kothari, much of which remains relevant in the Indian political scenario four decades since its compilation".
Kothari laid out the analytical framework for the volume in his introduction, rejecting the "false approach" of the tradition-modernity dichotomy. He argued that political and developmental institutions do not operate in a vacuum; they must find their footing in existing social forms. His framework centered on several key ideas: By arguing for caste as a valid and
Nearly five decades after its original publication, "Caste in Indian Politics" remains remarkably relevant. It provides an indispensable framework for understanding contemporary Indian politics, from the rise of caste-based parties to the dynamics of electoral alliances and the ongoing politics of social justice. As one scholar noted, "Can one today imagine any study of Indian politics without caste?". The book's refusal to see tradition and modernity as opposites offers a powerful lens for interpreting a country where ancient hierarchies are constantly being reshaped by the modern forces of democracy and development.
Rajni Kothari transformed how scholars understand Indian democracy by showing that caste is not merely a relic of social hierarchy but a dynamic political resource. Whether structuring patronage networks in rural panchayats or shaping the coalitions of regional parties, caste continues to be a decisive force in electoral politics — and Kothari’s insights remain a vital lens for anyone trying to make sense of contemporary India.
At the heart of Kothari's analysis is a powerful rejection of what he calls the "prevailing dichotomy between traditional society and modern polity". He argued that this intellectual habit—treating society as "traditional" and the political system as "modern" and "developmental"—creates a "curious cognitive hiatus" that prevents genuine understanding of how societies actually modernize.
Caste has been a pivotal element in Indian society and politics since the country's independence. Rajni Kothari, in her works, has elaborated on how caste influences political behavior, party politics, and the electoral process in India.