A STUDY OF JATIYA POLITICS IN BIHAR: UNRAVELING THE HISTORICAL CONTINUUM
Abstract
This study examines the intricate dynamics of Jatiya politics in Bihar, exploring its historical evolution and the socio-political implications for the region. Jatiya, or caste-based politics, has played a significant role in shaping the political landscape of Bihar, influencing party systems, electoral behavior, and policy-making. By tracing the historical continuum from pre-colonial times to contemporary political scenarios, this research highlights the factors that have contributed to the rise of caste-based identity politics, including socio-economic stratification, historical injustices, and the impact of social movements. The analysis delves into key political milestones, such as the role of caste in the formation of political parties, the emergence of caste-based alliances, and the effect of caste identities on voter mobilization. Through a multidisciplinary approach, incorporating historical, sociological, and political perspectives, this study aims to provide a comprehensive understanding of how Jatiya politics in Bihar continues to shape the socio-political fabric of the state and its implications for governance and development. Ultimately, this research contributes to the broader discourse on identity politics in India, shedding light on the complexities of caste dynamics in shaping democratic processes and political representation.
Keywords
Jatiya politics, historical continuum, caste politicsHow to Cite
References
Arun Sinha, and Sankarshan Thakur, Single Man: The Life and Times of Nitish Kumar of Bihar (2014) and the Brothers Bihari (Harper Collins, 2015).
Jeffrey Witsoe, ‘Territorial Democracy: Caste, Dominance, and Electoral Practice in Postcolonial India’, Political and Legal Anthropology Review. 2009; 32(1).
Francine R Frankel. ‘Caste, Land and Dominance in Bihar: Breakdown of the Brahmanical Social Order’ in Frankel and Rao, M.S.A. (ed.) Dominance and State Power in Modern India: Decline of a Social Order (Delhi: OUP), 1989, 1.
Neil A Englehart. Sovereignty, State Failure and Human Rights: Petty Despots and Exemplary Villains (Taylor & Francis, 2017), chapter 6, ‘Bihar: The Privatization of Violence’.
Yogendra Yadav, ‘What is living and what is dead in Rammanohar Lohia?’ EPW, 2010, 45(40).
The Indian Nation, 1968.
Frankel, ‘Caste, Land and Dominance in Bihar: Breakdown of the Brahmanical Social Order’.
The Indian Nation, 1974.
Bela Bhatia, The Naxalite Movement in Central Bihar, EPW.
License
Copyright (c) 2024 Pooja Kumari
This work is licensed under a Creative Commons Attribution 4.0 International License.
