10. Caste, Religion & Ethnicity Flashcards
(112 cards)
1
Q
What is identity politics?
A
Identity politics is a socio-political discourse where groups advocate for rights and recognition based on shared characteristics such as race, gender, ethnicity, or sexual orientation.
2
Q
How does caste function as a political category in India?
A
Caste functions as a political category in India by influencing political negotiations and electoral strategies, as highlighted by Rajni Kothari’s theories on caste as political capital.
3
Q
What role does religion play in Indian electoral politics?
A
Religion plays a significant role in Indian electoral politics by shaping voter bases and influencing communal relations, particularly through movements like Hindu nationalism as analyzed by Christophe Jaffrelot.
4
Q
What is the significance of regional identity politics in India?
A
Regional identity politics in India is significant as it influences electoral outcomes and policy-making, exemplified by parties like DMK and Shiv Sena that focus on regional issues and cultural identity.
5
Q
What are the implications of identity politics in India according to Amartya Sen?
A
Amartya Sen emphasizes the need to recognize India’s pluralistic fabric and the importance of embracing diversity while being aware of the divisive potential of identity politics.
6
Q
What is Caste?
A
Caste is a traditional form of social stratification found predominantly in India, dividing people into hierarchical groups based on their birth and occupation, dictating aspects of life such as profession, marriage, and social interactions.
7
Q
What is Sanskritization in the context of caste?
A
Sanskritization refers to a process by which lower castes seek upward mobility by emulating the rituals, practices, and lifestyle of higher castes, particularly the Brahmins, highlighting the fluid nature of the caste system.
8
Q
How does M.N. Srinivas’s view of caste differ from Louis Dumont’s?
A
M.N. Srinivas emphasizes the socio-economic dimensions of the caste system and the dynamic nature of caste, while Louis Dumont focuses on the religious and ideological underpinnings, viewing caste as a static hierarchy based on purity and pollution.
9
Q
What is the impact of Westernization on the caste system according to M.N. Srinivas?
A
Westernization describes changes in Indian society due to the influence of Western culture and technology, which significantly impacts different castes and their traditional practices.
10
Q
What is the caste-class debate in sociology?
A
The caste-class debate revolves around whether caste or economic class is a more significant determinant of an individual’s social status, highlighting the rigidity of caste versus the fluidity of class.
11
Q
What role did the British colonial administration play in the codification of castes in India?
A
The British colonial administration formalized the caste system through censuses in the late 19th century, assigning rigid structures to previously fluid social categories and introducing separate electorates based on caste.
12
Q
What were the constitutional provisions made for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes in India?
A
Under Dr. B.R. Ambedkar’s guidance, the Indian Constitution in 1950 provided for affirmative action, including reservations in education, employment, and legislature for Scheduled Castes and Scheduled Tribes to uplift historically marginalized communities.
13
Q
What was the significance of the Mandal Commission in Indian politics?
A
The Mandal Commission, formed in 1979 and implemented in 1990, recommended extending reservations to Other Backward Classes (OBCs), leading to significant political mobilization along caste lines, especially in North India.
14
Q
What is the role of caste in Indian politics according to Rajni Kothari?
A
Rajni Kothari examined that in traditional society like India, mobilization of the people on identity lines like religion and caste is natural.
15
Q
How does MN Srinivas describe the presence of caste in Indian society?
A
MN Srinivas held that caste is present in the minds of Indians at a subconscious level, making it difficult to think that it will not play a role in Indian politics.
16
Q
What is Kanchan Chandra’s view on political patronage and caste?
A
Kanchan Chandra argues that when political patronage is based on caste, it is unrealistic to think of caste-free politics.
17
Q
How does caste influence voting patterns in Indian elections?
A
In many Indian elections, voters align with candidates and parties based on their caste identity, such as Yadav voters supporting Yadav candidates in Uttar Pradesh.
18
Q
What role do caste-based political parties play in Indian politics?
A
Caste-based political parties, like the BSP in Uttar Pradesh, primarily focus on the interests of specific castes, such as Dalits, and campaign for their rights.
19
Q
How do reservation policies reflect the influence of caste on political decisions?
A
Reservation policies providing benefits for SCs, STs, and OBCs are a result of caste influencing political decisions, aiming to rectify historical discrimination.
20
Q
In what way does Indian politics influence caste dynamics?
A
Indian politics influences caste dynamics through reservation policies that improve the socio-economic status of historically marginalized castes.
21
Q
What is the dual role of caste politics in Indian democracy?
A
Caste politics plays a dual role by mobilizing and empowering marginalized communities for representation while also perpetuating social divisions and fostering vote banks.
22
Q
What is clientelism in the context of caste politics?
A
Clientelism refers to a political system where political support is exchanged for targeted benefits, often based on identity rather than policy or ideology, which can undermine meritocracy in governance.
23
Q
How does the caste system contribute to increased representation and participation in democracy?
A
The caste system allows for upward social mobility through mechanisms like Sanskritization, encouraging political participation across different caste groups, as noted by M.N. Srinivas.
24
Q
What role does caste politics play in empowering marginalized communities?
A
Caste politics has enabled lower castes, especially Dalits and OBCs, to gain political power and visibility, which was previously unattainable, thus democratizing Indian politics according to Christophe Jaffrelot.
25
What are the concerns regarding the division and polarization caused by caste politics?
Caste politics can lead to social divisions and undermine the principle of equality in democracy, as argued by Andre Beteille, potentially solidifying caste identities and hindering social cohesion.
26
How does caste-based politics hinder meritocracy and development?
Caste-based politics may undermine meritocracy and impede development-focused governance, as political decisions are often made to appease certain caste groups rather than based on broader developmental criteria, according to Atul Kohli.
27
What is the 'silent revolution' in the context of caste politics?
The 'silent revolution' refers to the increasing assertiveness of lower castes in the political arena, reflecting a significant transformation in the power dynamics of Indian society and a deeper democratization process, as analyzed by Christophe Jaffrelot.
28
How does Amartya Sen view the role of caste-based affirmative action in democracy?
Amartya Sen acknowledges the role of caste-based affirmative action in promoting social justice and equality, which are key tenets of democracy, despite being critical of its divisive aspects.
29
What is the significance of the 1st Democratic Upsurge in India?
The 1st Democratic Upsurge around India's independence in 1947 and the first general elections in 1951-52 marked the enfranchisement of a large population segment, transitioning political power from colonial rulers to the diverse Indian populace and laying the foundation for democratic governance.
30
What characterized the 2nd Democratic Upsurge in India?
The 2nd Democratic Upsurge in the 1970s and 1980s was characterized by the rise of lower castes and classes in politics, the emergence of new parties and leaders representing these groups, and was linked to the implementation of the Mandal Commission's recommendations, which extended reservation to OBCs and democratized political power among marginalized groups.
31
How has caste influenced voting patterns in India?
Caste has influenced voting patterns in India as many voters often cast their ballots based on their caste identity, leading political parties to field candidates from specific castes to secure their support, resulting in the formation of caste-based political parties like the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP).
32
What role do caste-based reservations play in Indian politics?
Caste-based reservations are part of India's affirmative action policies that reserve seats in legislatures and government jobs for Scheduled Castes (SCs), Scheduled Tribes (STs), and Other Backward Classes (OBCs), thereby institutionalizing caste as a political category.
33
What is the impact of caste-based mobilization in elections?
Caste-based mobilization involves political leaders organizing their caste groups for electoral gains through rallies, protests, and campaigns, which helps consolidate their support base and can significantly influence election outcomes.
34
What challenges does caste-based politics face in contemporary India?
Caste-based politics faces challenges from ongoing debates and efforts to move away from identity-based politics, with issues such as economic development, governance, and urbanization challenging the dominance of caste in some regions and among certain voter segments.
35
What is the significance of the Mandal Commission in OBC politics?
The Mandal Commission, implemented in 1990, recommended 27% reservation for OBCs, marking a significant political milestone and leading to widespread mobilization of these communities.
36
How does OBC politics impact Indian democracy?
OBC politics has led to a democratic upsurge, expanding political participation and challenging traditional power structures, influencing policies around reservations and agricultural reforms.
37
What are the three distinct approaches explored by the Dalit community for upliftment?
The three approaches are Co-option, Autonomy, and Radicalism, each reflecting different strategies and ideological underpinnings for Dalit empowerment.
38
What role did the Indian National Congress play in Dalit politics?
The Indian National Congress was seen as a platform for Dalits to align with mainstream politics, aiming for social upliftment through gradual reform, although this often diluted specific Dalit agendas.
39
What does Christophe Jaffrelot's work 'The Silent Revolution' highlight about OBCs in Indian politics?
Jaffrelot's work details the rise of OBCs in Indian politics, emphasizing the shift in power dynamics and the central role of OBC politics in shaping political landscapes.
40
What is the significance of Dr. B.R. Ambedkar's approach to autonomy in Dalit politics?
Dr. B.R. Ambedkar advocated for separate political representation and organization for Dalits, exemplified by his formation of the Independent Labour Party (ILP) and the Scheduled Castes Federation (SCF), focusing on empowering Dalits through their own political agencies and ensuring their issues were not subsumed under wider political narratives.
41
How did the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) under Mayawati's leadership exemplify autonomous Dalit politics?
The Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP) under Mayawati's leadership focuses primarily on Dalit issues and has a significant following in states like Uttar Pradesh, representing a form of autonomous Dalit politics.
42
What is the relationship between radical movements among Dalits and Marxist ideas?
Radical movements among Dalits have drawn inspiration from Marxist ideas of class struggle and revolution, viewing caste oppression through the lens of class struggle and advocating for a radical restructuring of society.
43
What critique did Pratap Bhanu Mehta offer regarding caste-based politics?
Pratap Bhanu Mehta critiqued the transactional nature of caste-based politics, emphasizing the need for more substantive measures that go beyond political representation to actual empowerment, responsive to the material conditions of Dalits.
44
How does Yogendra Yadav's analysis contribute to understanding Dalit politics?
Yogendra Yadav provides a psephological perspective on Dalit politics, analyzing electoral trends and voting patterns, noting the complexities of Dalit identity and the emergence of a Dalit middle class influencing politics towards issue-based and developmental agendas.
45
What is the significance of economic factors in shaping the Dalit political narrative?
Economic factors are increasingly becoming as significant as identity politics in shaping the Dalit political narrative, with more attention being given to governance, service delivery, and corruption.
46
What does Christophe Jaffrelot highlight about Dalit political parties?
Christophe Jaffrelot highlights the rise of Dalit politics from the grassroots level and the importance of Dalit political parties in providing an alternative to mainstream politics, emphasizing the tensions between caste-based mobilization and universalist principles of democracy.
47
What is Anand Teltumbde's perspective on mainstream political parties and Dalit politics?
Anand Teltumbde has a critical take on the appropriation of Dalit politics by mainstream political parties, which often dilute its radical edge, and emphasizes the need for Dalit movements to align with broader working-class struggles for genuine social transformation.
48
According to Sukhadeo Thorat, what is crucial for real empowerment of Dalits?
Sukhadeo Thorat argues that while political representation is important, economic upliftment is crucial for real empowerment, as Dalits often remain economically marginalized despite affirmative action policies due to social discrimination and unequal access to resources.
49
What does Kancha Ilaiah advocate for in Dalit politics?
Kancha Ilaiah advocates for a radical rethinking of Dalit politics that includes economic empowerment and education as key components of social change.
50
How does James Manor describe the nature of ethnicity in India?
James Manor describes ethnicity in India as a dynamic and multifaceted concept influenced by historical, political, and social factors, suggesting that ethnic identities are not fixed but can change over time.
51
What is the constructivist perspective on ethnic identities according to James Manor?
The constructivist perspective sees ethnicity as a socially constructed phenomenon, where ethnic identities are influenced by politics, economic conditions, and social interactions.
52
What does James Manor say about the instrumental use of ethnicity in Indian politics?
James Manor acknowledges that political actors, such as political parties and leaders, often strategically mobilize ethnic identities to garner support and win elections, highlighting the role of ethnicity as a tool for achieving political objectives.
53
What are regional variations in ethnic identity and politics according to Manor?
Manor recognizes that the nature and salience of ethnicity can vary significantly from one region of India to another, with distinct ethnic dynamics and concerns in different regions.
54
How does Manor describe the interplay of caste and ethnicity in Indian society?
Manor explores how caste can be seen as a form of ethnic identity, particularly when considering the cultural and social aspects of caste groups, such as the Jats in Northern India who emphasize both caste and ethnic identity.
55
What is the significance of political mobilization in ethnic identity politics according to Manor?
Manor's research examines how ethnic mobilization and identity politics affect political outcomes and policy decisions, highlighting how ethnic groups organize and engage in political activities to advance their interests.
56
What does Anthony D. Smith argue about ethnicity in India?
Anthony D. Smith argues that ethnicity in India is closely linked to a 'primordial attachment' to cultural or social groups, suggesting that ethnic identities are rooted in ancient history and enduring connections to communities.
57
What distinction does Ashutosh Varshney make between civic and ethnic nationalism in India?
Ashutosh Varshney distinguishes between civic nationalism, which emphasizes shared values and citizenship, and ethnic nationalism, which is based on cultural, religious, or linguistic identities, exploring their interaction in Indian politics.
58
How does Sudipta Kaviraj view the relationship between caste and ethnicity in India?
Sudipta Kaviraj argues that caste can be understood as a form of ethnic identity, with each caste group having its unique culture, rituals, and social norms, highlighting the complexity of ethnic identity in India.
59
What grassroots aspect of ethnicity in India does Partha Chatterjee emphasize?
Partha Chatterjee emphasizes that ethnicity in India is often mobilized at the grassroots level, with different ethnic groups asserting their rights and identities in local politics.
60
What role do political parties play in the politics of ethnicity according to Paul Brass?
Paul Brass highlights that political parties and leaders often use ethnicity and communalism for electoral purposes, which can lead to social and political conflict.
61
What historical factors contribute to the prominence of ethnicity in Indian politics according to Romila Thapar?
Romila Thapar notes that India's long history of diverse cultures, languages, and religions has shaped ethnic identities, contributing to the prominence of ethnicity in Indian politics.
62
What are the historical tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India?
The historical tensions between Hindus and Muslims in India date back to the pre-independence period and have had a lasting impact on Indian politics, including the partition of India in 1947.
63
How did British colonial policies affect ethnic divisions in India?
British colonial rulers employed divide-and-rule strategies that exacerbated ethnic and communal divisions in India, which persisted even after independence and continue to influence politics.
64
What role do socioeconomic disparities play in ethnic and caste-based politics in India?
Socioeconomic disparities and inequalities in India have fueled ethnic and caste-based politics, as marginalized and disadvantaged groups seek political representation and empowerment to address their grievances.
65
How does India's diverse society influence identity-based politics?
India's diverse and fragmented society, with numerous languages, religions, castes, and ethnic groups, makes identity-based politics more likely, as political parties seek to represent the interests of particular groups for electoral support.
66
What is the impact of regional parties on ethnic identity in Indian politics?
Regional parties in India, such as the DMK in Tamil Nadu or the Shiv Sena in Maharashtra, focus on regional and ethnic identity to mobilize support within their respective states.
67
How can political leaders exploit ethnic divisions in India?
Political leaders and parties sometimes exploit ethnic and identity-based divisions for electoral gain, which can exacerbate ethnic tensions and lead to communal riots and violence.
68
What are the positive effects of ethnic diversity on democracy in India?
Ethnic diversity in India has strengthened democracy by promoting inclusivity and representation of marginalized communities, reinforcing pluralism and tolerance, and providing peaceful means for conflict resolution.
69
How can identity politics weaken democracy in India?
Identity politics can weaken democracy by fostering polarization and divisiveness, as political parties exploit ethnic identities for electoral gains, leading to communal tensions and governance challenges.
70
What are the reasons for ethnic conflicts in North East India?
Ethnic conflicts in North East India arise from the diversity of ethnic groups leading to competition over resources and identity, deep-rooted historical grievances, and aspirations for autonomy fueling separatist movements.
71
What are resource conflicts?
Disputes over land and resources that are a common trigger for violence.
72
How does migration and demography contribute to ethnic tensions?
Concerns about demographic changes due to migration contribute to tensions among ethnic groups.
73
What is the impact of lack of development on ethnic conflicts?
Economic disparities hinder development and exacerbate conflicts among different ethnic groups.
74
What are inter-ethnic conflicts?
Competition among ethnic groups for resources and representation that leads to clashes.
75
What are the human rights concerns associated with ethnic conflicts?
Ethnic conflicts result in human rights abuses, including displacement and violence against communities.
76
What role do external factors play in ethnic conflicts?
Cross-border influences from neighboring countries can escalate conflicts within ethnic groups.
77
What are peace initiatives in the context of ethnic conflicts?
Government-led peace talks that have led to ceasefires but not always result in lasting solutions.
78
How does the complex political landscape affect conflict resolution?
Multiple political parties and factions, often aligned along ethnic lines, complicate conflict resolution efforts.
79
What is the significance of ethnic-based political parties in the North-East?
Ethnic diversity has led to the rise of ethnic-based political parties, which fragment the political landscape and cater to specific community interests.
80
What are the implications of insurgency and ethnic conflicts for Indian politics?
Insurgency and ethnic conflicts necessitate a comprehensive approach to security and governance, focusing on lasting political solutions.
81
What is the Assam Accord?
A peaceful resolution negotiated in 1985 addressing the demands of the Assamese ethnic movement, including provisions for illegal immigrant deportation.
82
How does decentralization empower ethnic communities?
Decentralization can empower local governments and give ethnic communities greater autonomy in decision-making processes.
83
What is the approach to conflict management in ethnic movements?
Political leaders attempt to manage ethnic conflicts through dialogue, negotiations, and conflict resolution mechanisms to promote peaceful coexistence.
84
What are Affirmative Action Policies?
Affirmative Action Policies are initiatives implemented to address the socio-economic grievances of marginalized ethnic communities by promoting greater representation and participation of these communities in public life, such as through reservations in education and employment.
85
What is the significance of Electoral Strategies in Indian politics?
Electoral Strategies involve the use of tactics to gain support from different ethnic groups, including forming alliances with ethnic-based parties and targeting specific ethnic constituencies during election campaigns.
86
How does Economic Development and Inclusion relate to ethnic minorities in India?
Economic Development and Inclusion refer to policies aimed at promoting economic opportunities and social inclusion for ethnic minorities to reduce grievances, exemplified by special economic packages and development programs in regions with significant ethnic minority populations.
87
What role did British Colonial Policies play in the evolution of communal politics in India?
British Colonial Policies employed 'divide and rule' strategies that emphasized religious divisions, which contributed to the institutionalization of religious divisions in Indian politics and heightened communal tensions.
88
What was the impact of the Partition of India in 1947 on communal relations?
The Partition of India in 1947, based on religious lines, resulted in massive population exchanges and widespread violence, deepening religious divisions and tensions in the region.
89
How did the role of religion influence post-independence politics in India?
The role of religion in post-independence politics influenced moral values, voter behavior, and policy positions, and it also led to the formation of religious political parties and impacted social issues and conflicts.
90
What is the significance of the secular constitution adopted by India in 1950?
The secular constitution aimed to separate religion from politics and governance, promoting an inclusive nation as emphasized by leaders like Jawaharlal Nehru.
91
What was the impact of the Ram Janmabhoomi movement in the 1980s?
The Ram Janmabhoomi movement aimed to build a Hindu temple at the disputed Ayodhya site, gaining momentum and contributing to the rise of communal politics.
92
How did the demolition of the Babri Masjid in 1992 affect communal relations in India?
The demolition led to communal violence and polarization, marking a significant turning point in communal politics in India.
93
What does Ashutosh Varshney's research suggest about civic engagement and communal violence?
Varshney emphasizes that areas with higher levels of inter-community civic engagement and social integration tend to be less prone to religious and communal violence.
94
What is Paul Brass's perspective on the role of religion in Indian politics?
Brass highlights the strategic use of religion by political leaders to mobilize support and the instrumentalization of religious identity in communal violence.
95
What does Rajeev Bhargava mean by 'principled distance' in the context of Indian secularism?
Bhargava argues that the Indian state should maintain a principled distance from all religions to ensure religious freedom and equality, advocating for a neutral approach to religion in politics.
96
How does Veena Das's work contribute to understanding religious identity in India?
Das examines the lived experiences of religious communities, emphasizing the importance of understanding religion as a lived reality rather than just a political concept.
97
What insights does Steven Wilkinson provide regarding political parties and religious identity?
Wilkinson explores how political parties in India mobilize voters along religious lines and the implications of this mobilization for electoral outcomes and policymaking.
98
What complexities does Dipankar Gupta highlight regarding caste and religious identities in Indian politics?
Gupta argues that caste and religion often overlap, and political parties use these identities strategically to consolidate their support base, revealing the intertwined nature of caste and religious politics.
99
What challenges does Sudha Pai identify regarding the rise of religious nationalism in India?
Pai examines the rise of religious nationalism and the tensions it poses to India's secular fabric, highlighting the challenges to maintaining secularism in the face of religious identity politics.
100
What is the Essentialist School in the analysis of communal riots in India?
The Essentialist School emphasizes that communal violence in India is rooted in deep-seated religious and cultural differences, arguing that these tensions are inherent and pre-existing, dating back centuries, making communal conflicts inevitable due to irreconcilable differences between religious communities.
101
How does the Instrumentalist School explain communal riots in India?
The Instrumentalist School views communal riots as a result of political manipulation and opportunism, arguing that politicians and interest groups exploit existing religious and cultural divisions to achieve their political objectives, often strategically instigating violence for their own benefit.
102
What is the focus of the Institutionalist School regarding communal tensions?
The Institutionalist School focuses on the role of institutions and structures in perpetuating communal tensions, arguing that institutions, including the state and legal systems, significantly influence whether communal conflicts are exacerbated or mitigated.
103
What do Social Constructivists believe about communal identities?
Social Constructivists emphasize that communal identities are socially constructed and subject to change over time, arguing that communal tensions are created and reinforced by social processes such as media, education, and public discourse.
104
How do political parties exploit communal violence during elections according to Paul Brass?
Political parties often exploit religious divisions during elections to gain support, using communal violence as a means to polarize voters, particularly in diverse regions, and inciting or tolerating violence to bolster their electoral prospects.
105
What are 'vote bank' strategies in the context of communal violence and electoral politics?
'Vote bank' strategies aim to secure specific religious or communal group support, often involving divisive rhetoric and support for communal organizations to manipulate electoral outcomes based on communal identities.
106
What is the impact of communal violence on governance in India?
Communal violence can divert attention from development and governance issues, and state responses to violence may be influenced by political considerations, posing challenges to maintaining a secular and inclusive political environment.
107
How do Ashutosh Varshney's views reflect the significance of religion and caste in Indian elections?
Ashutosh Varshney argues that religion and caste identities continue to shape voting patterns and candidate selection, indicating that voters often rely on familiar identity markers despite economic changes and modernization.
108
What does Paul Brass suggest about identity-based politics in Indian elections?
Paul Brass contends that identity-based politics remains a prominent feature of Indian elections, with political parties frequently selecting candidates based on caste or religious affiliations to appeal to specific voter blocs.
109
What changing dynamics does Christophe Jaffrelot identify in Indian politics?
Christophe Jaffrelot suggests that changing economic issues and rapid urbanization are challenging the traditional dominance of religion and caste in Indian politics, leading voters to prioritize economic issues over identity-based considerations.
110
How does Steven I. Wilkinson view the relationship between identity factors and economic considerations in voting behavior?
Steven I. Wilkinson argues that while identity factors still matter, they may be influenced by economic considerations, with instances where economic grievances lead voters to make choices that transcend traditional identity lines.
111
What does Sudha Pai's research reveal about the strategic use of caste by political parties?
Sudha Pai's research highlights that political parties often switch between identity and development issues based on electoral calculations, indicating that the use of identity-based appeals is a strategic choice to mobilize voters.
112
What does Rajni Kothari's analysis indicate about regional variation in the role of caste in Indian politics?
Rajni Kothari's analysis acknowledges significant regional variation in the role of caste, emphasizing that its impact can differ widely from one state or region to another, making it context-specific.
