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The Oxford Handbook of Indian Politics

Written by Sumit Ganguly,Eswaran Sridharan

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673 pages, about 13 hours of reading

Political science

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About this book

The study of Indian politics has witnessed a dramatic revival worldwide in the last few decades. There have been significant developments in national politics since 2014 with the advent of the single-party majority government of the Bharatiya Janata Party, the first such majority since 1984. Moreover, the results of the 17th Lok Sabha (Lower House) election in India in 2019 have had major implications for the party system in India. In the light of these developments, The Oxford Handbook of Indian Politics provides the most comprehensive, up-to-date coverage of the state of contemporary Indian politics. To that end, it examines the evolution of core institutions, processes, policies, and associated issues that are being debated in India's politics. It also provides historical contexts, discusses the state of the extant literature in each issue area, and suggests avenues for future research. The contributors to this volume are all noted scholars and researchers in their respective fields of specialization located both in India and around the world. The major topics covered include the Constitution, citizenship, the houses of Parliament, the Cabinet, the judiciary, federalism and local governments, elections, parties and coalitions, secularism and minorities, caste, gender and migration, political violence, political finance, political economy, and foreign and defence policies. In effect, The Oxford Handbook of Indian Politics offers scholars, analysts, and students a sweeping overview of the current landscape of Indian politics, with particular attention to issues that have emerged over the past decade.

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Reading guide

Themes, characters and key ideas in The Oxford Handbook of Indian Politics, written by Chaptra AI.

  • about 40 hours
  • advanced
  • analytical
  • scholarly
  • rigorous

The Oxford Handbook of Indian Politics offers an authoritative and up-to-date examination of contemporary Indian politics, building upon a dramatic revival in its global study. This comprehensive volume addresses significant developments since 2014, including the rise of the single-party majority government of the Bharatiya Janata Party and the implications of the 2019 Lok Sabha elections for India's party system. It meticulously explores the evolution of core institutions, political processes, policies, and critical debates, providing essential historical contexts and surveying extant literature. Featuring contributions from leading scholars, both Indian and international, the handbook serves as an indispensable resource for understanding the current political landscape and charting future research directions in India.

“"The advent of the single-party majority government of the Bharatiya Janata Party since 2014 has fundamentally reshaped India's political landscape, challenging established norms of coalition politics."”

Key themes

Institutional Evolution and Resilience
This theme explores how India's core democratic institutions—the Constitution, Parliament, Cabinet, Judiciary, and federal structure—have evolved since independence. It examines their design, functioning, and adaptation to changing political realities, as well as their resilience in the face of various challenges. The handbook delves into debates surrounding institutional reforms and the impact of political shifts on their autonomy and effectiveness.
Social Cleavages and Political Mobilization
This theme investigates the profound influence of India's deep-seated social cleavages—caste, religion, gender, and migration—on political processes and outcomes. It analyzes how these identities are mobilized by political parties, contribute to electoral behavior, shape public policy, and fuel both cooperation and conflict. The handbook explores the historical origins and contemporary manifestations of these divisions and their role in democratic participation and representation.
Electoral Politics and Party System Evolution
This theme focuses on the mechanics and evolution of India's electoral system and its dynamic party landscape. It covers aspects such as electoral reforms, voting behavior, the rise and decline of political parties, the formation and dissolution of coalitions, and the impact of political finance. The handbook provides insights into how elections translate societal preferences into political power and how the party system adapts to new challenges and opportunities.

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How has the rise of a single-party majority government since 2014 fundamentally altered the nature of India's party system and federalism?

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