Caste in Indian Politics - Rajni Kothari : A Brief Summary

 Caste in Indian Politics: Rajni Kothari

(Summary and Notes)

Introduction:

- The prevailing dichotomy between tradition and modernity affects ideological thinking and social science theorising concerning society and polity.

- Society is often perceived as 'traditional,' while polity is considered 'modern' and 'developmental.'

- However, this approach is flawed, especially in the context of democratic politics, as political and developmental institutions are interconnected with society.

Modernisation and Democratic Politics:

- Modernisation is not a shift from traditional to modern, but rather a transformation of existing structures and ideas.

- A democratic society requires a conversation between old and new elements, a fusion of ideas, and flexibility from both modern and traditional perspectives.

- Dysfunctional elements may need to be subdued by determined leadership, but decisions are pragmatic and developmental, not a priori.

Institutional Changes and Stability:

- Institutional changes must become part of a society's functioning to gain stability and legitimacy.

- A modernising society is neither fully traditional nor modern; it evolves by integrating different structures and attitudes.

Caste and Politics in India:

- Caste and politics in India have a complex relationship.

- Caste structures provide a basis for political organisation, and politicians mobilise caste identities to consolidate power.

- Caste and politics interact, leading to changes in both, but there is no complete polarisation between them.

Multiple Approaches to Caste and Politics:

- Different approaches to studying caste and politics exist, each with its biases and limitations.

- Reductionist views, instrumental perspectives, and definition-based approaches hinder a comprehensive understanding of the relationship.

Political Sociology and Caste:

- The authors focus on the interaction between caste and politics in organising public activity.

- The political involvement of caste organisations, social reform movements, and networks is relevant for analysis.

Caste as a System of Conflict and Interaction:

- The caste system is not solely based on rigid stratification; factionalism, caste cleavages, and social mobility are also prominent features.

- These aspects are highly relevant from a developmental perspective.

- The prevailing dichotomy between tradition and modernity requires a more nuanced approach to studying the relationship between caste and politics in India.

- The focus should be on the organisation of public activity and politics in a society articulated along caste lines, considering the interaction and transformation of both elements.

The Secular Organization of Caste and its Interaction with Modern Institutions:

• Traditionally, the secular organisation of caste consisted of two aspects: governmental (caste councils, village arbitration) and political (authority alignments and cleavages). 
• Religion, occupation, and territory were bases for secular mobility, which are still relevant in the process of secularisation.
• Modern influences like Westernisation and democratic secularism gradually penetrated Indian society, involving mutual give and take between traditional structures and modern institutions.
• The caste system provided structural and ideological bases for political mobilisation, leading to the emergence of a new species of political organisation.
• Interaction with modern institutions was selective, focusing on power structure, distribution of economic benefits, and caste consciousness and perceptions.

•  Three stages of the process can be identified:

   a) Struggle for power and benefits initially limited to "entrenched castes."

   b) Caste polarisation and the emergence of "ascendant castes" in response to perceived deprivation.

   c) Caste fragmentation and politicisation with intra-caste and inter-caste competition leading to complex power structures.

The secular organisation of caste in India has undergone significant changes with the influence of modernisation, democratic politics, and Westernisation. The caste system, which once determined social station and occupational roles, now plays a role in political mobilisation, leading to complex power structures and multi-caste alignments. The process of secularisation and interaction with modern institutions has brought both continuity and transformation to the traditional caste system in India.

The process of political mobilisation and organisation in India in relation to caste dynamics: 

Caste as a Basis for Political Organization: The process of political mobilisation in India was influenced by existing caste ties and relationships. Where vertical inter-caste ties already existed due to economic bonds, traditional relationships, or regional variations, politics found a readymade ground for mobilisation.

Evolution of Political Networks: Politics led to the articulation of vertical functional networks of mobilisation and competition. The upper tiers of rival caste chains were recruited into politics, further expanding the mobilisation process.

Mobilisation of Lower Castes: During the second stage of political mobilisation, lower castes were drawn into politics to support rival leaders. Caste identities played a significant role in political participation.

Role of Elite and Leadership: As politics expanded, new forms of leadership emerged. The early stages required leaders well-versed in ideological disputation and legal matters, often from Brahminic and traditional administrative classes. Later stages demanded leaders with pragmatic skills, able to forge solidarity among different castes.

Process of Modernisation: The process of modernisation in India involved a shift from traditional sectarian loyalties to a more secular orientation. As politics became more competitive, caste and communal ties got politicised and adapted to the changing social context.

New Forms of Integration: Competitive politics led to the emergence of a dominant elite with a secular orientation, caste associations and federations with specific purposes, and a vertical structure of factions cutting across caste and social groups. This led to a complex process of integration and division within society.

The secularisation of the Social System: Politics contributed to the secularisation of the social system by breaking down old caste-based divisions and promoting cross-cutting allegiances. This process shifted the emphasis from a static caste system to a dynamic base of competition and integration.

 Traditionalization of Modernity: The challenge of modernity is not the destruction of tradition but of modern values and institutions. The new dimensions introduced by secular democratic politics should become enduring parts of India's social change strategy.

The Article emphasises the interplay between caste, politics, and modernisation in India, showing how these factors have influenced each other and contributed to the evolution of the country's political landscape.

Short Summary Of the Article 

The article revolves around the political organisation in India and the interplay between politics, caste dynamics, and modernisation. The author presents a detailed analysis of how the political process evolved during that period.

Caste and Politics: The author explains that in the early stages of political mobilisation, politics found favourable ground in regions where vertical inter-caste ties already existed. This led to the formation of vertical factional networks of mobilisation and competition, with the upper tiers of rival caste chains being recruited into politics.

Traditional Structures and New Solidarities: In regions where vertical ties existed, there was less need to create new solidarities and caste associations. Instead, existing ties facilitated the co-optation of elites from other castes into politics. The process of further co-optation of elites and mobilisation through caste associations strengthened the social structure's importance in political organisation.

Limited to Upper Castes: Initially, the process of political organisation was limited to the upper tiers of society, comprising well-to-do, educated, and generally upper castes. Lower castes remained in a dependent relationship with the dominant castes.

Mobilisation of Lower Castes: Over time, there was a process of mobilisation of lower castes into politics to add to the support base of rival leaders. Caste identities remained strong and played a significant role in political participation.

Secularisation of the Social System: The author emphasises that the interaction between politics and caste led to the secularisation of the social system. Politics drew the castle out of its political context and gave it a new status, leading to the erosion and disintegration of the traditional caste system.

Traditionalization Of Modernity: The process of political organisation led to a new mode of integration and division, replacing the old dichotomy between tradition and modernity. The challenge was not the destruction of tradition but of modern values and institutions.

Overall, the author's perspective shows how politics transformed traditional caste identities, leading to the emergence of new political structures and the secularisation of the social system. The discussion highlights the complex interplay between tradition and modernity in India's political landscape.