India

IndiaIndia 1/3 the size of the United States1/3 the size of the United States Population: 1.13 billion (800/sq. mi.)—doubled in past 30 yearsPopulation: 1.13 billion (800/sq. mi.)—doubled in past 30 years Life expectancy: 62.4 yrs. (33% of population is 14 or younger)Life expectancy: 62.4 yrs. (33% of population is 14 or younger) Religions: Hinduism 81% Islam 12% Christianity 2%Religions: Hinduism 81% Islam 12% Christianity 2% Federal system in theoryFederal system in theory Literacy: 65% Men, 34% womenLiteracy: 65% Men, 34% women GDP: $3,800/person (increased greatly in last 5 years)—but overall GDP: $3,800/person (increased greatly in last 5 years)—but overall

$2.2 Trillion (ties UK). #6 economy in the world $2.2 Trillion (ties UK). #6 economy in the world Middle class 200 Million people, #6 nation to launch Middle class 200 Million people, #6 nation to launch

rockets/communication satellitesrockets/communication satellites Net food exporter (!)—67% of people in agricultureNet food exporter (!)—67% of people in agriculture Exports: software, locomotives, diesel engines, jt aircraft, Exports: software, locomotives, diesel engines, jt aircraft,

computer software. Insources customer service jobs.computer software. Insources customer service jobs. Old British system of Indian Civil Service became IAS—Indian Old British system of Indian Civil Service became IAS—Indian

Administrative Services. About 4,000 people/ 13 million civil Administrative Services. About 4,000 people/ 13 million civil servants. Examinations and interviews are difficultservants. Examinations and interviews are difficult

Population—voluntary sterilization programs for men, offered free Population—voluntary sterilization programs for men, offered free transistor radiostransistor radios

500,000 in India make their living by emptying chamber pots500,000 in India make their living by emptying chamber pots

HinduismHinduism 3000 castes/subcastes3000 castes/subcastes Main castes: Brahmans (priests), Shatriyas Main castes: Brahmans (priests), Shatriyas

(warriors), Vaisyas (traders/merchants), (warriors), Vaisyas (traders/merchants), Sudras (serfs), and Dalits (untouchables)Sudras (serfs), and Dalits (untouchables)

Untouchability eliminated by 1950 Untouchability eliminated by 1950 ConstitutionConstitution

Each has its own rules for marriage, Each has its own rules for marriage, general behavior, even eatinggeneral behavior, even eating

Life on Earth miserable, afterlife desired. Life on Earth miserable, afterlife desired. Material things are an illusionMaterial things are an illusion Believe in reincarnation—even into Believe in reincarnation—even into

animals (Maharaja Mac)animals (Maharaja Mac)

India HistoryIndia History Indus Valley civilization begins about 4000-2500 Indus Valley civilization begins about 4000-2500

BCBC Muslim incursions begin around year 1000Muslim incursions begin around year 1000 Mogul Dynasty (1526) founded by Turkish Mogul Dynasty (1526) founded by Turkish

descendant of Genghis Khan, Emperor Akbar a descendant of Genghis Khan, Emperor Akbar a rare effective exception of a week dynastyrare effective exception of a week dynasty

1599: British East India Company established1599: British East India Company established 1757: Bengali army defeated by Clive at Plassey1757: Bengali army defeated by Clive at Plassey

—British domination recognized in 1763 Treaty of —British domination recognized in 1763 Treaty of Paris (British and allies defeat French and AlliesParis (British and allies defeat French and Allies—a true world war)—a true world war)

By 1840, most of subcontinent in British handsBy 1840, most of subcontinent in British hands 1857--Sepoy mutiny, Britain assumes direct 1857--Sepoy mutiny, Britain assumes direct

control in 1858. The cursed Enfield rifle and its control in 1858. The cursed Enfield rifle and its cow and pig grease!cow and pig grease!

Less than 100,000 British rule 300 Million IndiansLess than 100,000 British rule 300 Million Indians—fuel for sociologists like Spencer—fuel for sociologists like Spencer

Modern Indian HistoryModern Indian History 1885: Indian National Congress formed, orignally loyal but wanted 1885: Indian National Congress formed, orignally loyal but wanted

more representation. 1906—endorsed swaraj (independence). more representation. 1906—endorsed swaraj (independence). Mahatma Gandhi emerges, 1920Mahatma Gandhi emerges, 1920 1942: Sir Stafford Cripps pledges independence1942: Sir Stafford Cripps pledges independence 1947: Independence for India and Pakistan (partition)1947: Independence for India and Pakistan (partition) 1948: Gandhi killed1948: Gandhi killed 1950: Constitution in effect (Jan. 26)1950: Constitution in effect (Jan. 26) 1962: Conflict with China1962: Conflict with China 1971: Pakistan CW, War with Pakistan, Bangladesh created1971: Pakistan CW, War with Pakistan, Bangladesh created 1974: India acquires nuclear weapons1974: India acquires nuclear weapons 1975-77: State of Emergency initiated by Indira Gandhi1975-77: State of Emergency initiated by Indira Gandhi 1977: First non-Congress government elected1977: First non-Congress government elected 1979: Indira Gandhi and Congress return to power1979: Indira Gandhi and Congress return to power 1984: Indira Gandhi assassinated by own Sikh bodyguards (Punjab 1984: Indira Gandhi assassinated by own Sikh bodyguards (Punjab

problem). Succeeded by son, Rajiv.problem). Succeeded by son, Rajiv. 1987: India invaded Sri Lanka1987: India invaded Sri Lanka 1999: BJP government falls, re-elected later1999: BJP government falls, re-elected later 2004: Congress seizes government back in Lok Sabha elections2004: Congress seizes government back in Lok Sabha elections 2009: Congress re-elected with large majority2009: Congress re-elected with large majority

The Indian Political SystemThe Indian Political System Federal Republic w/ Parliamentary system, but states Federal Republic w/ Parliamentary system, but states

have little real independencehave little real independence Mostly free, competitive elections but fraught with Mostly free, competitive elections but fraught with

violence, dirty deedsviolence, dirty deeds Elections have been suspended due to violenceElections have been suspended due to violence PM has dictatorial powers compared to liberal PM has dictatorial powers compared to liberal

democraciesdemocracies Vast majority of Indians lead a preindustrial lifestyleVast majority of Indians lead a preindustrial lifestyle Caste system slowly dying, but still there, racial and Caste system slowly dying, but still there, racial and

ethnic minorities still not completely protectedethnic minorities still not completely protected Strong family ties—nepotismStrong family ties—nepotism Single member district system—works to advantage of Single member district system—works to advantage of

large parties (Congress won in 1952, 57, 62, 67, 71). large parties (Congress won in 1952, 57, 62, 67, 71). Won majority of seats but not nationwide popular Won majority of seats but not nationwide popular majority.majority.

The Indian ConstitutionThe Indian Constitution Longest in the world; 395 articles, 8 schedules and 40 Longest in the world; 395 articles, 8 schedules and 40

amendments!c250 articles come directly from 1935 amendments!c250 articles come directly from 1935 Government of India ActGovernment of India Act

Part XVIII—Emergency Provisions: Used in 1962 Chinese Part XVIII—Emergency Provisions: Used in 1962 Chinese invasion, allowed “Defense of India Act,” which permits invasion, allowed “Defense of India Act,” which permits detaining dangerous individuals (US Patriot Act)detaining dangerous individuals (US Patriot Act)

After 1977, “State of Emergency” clause tightened upAfter 1977, “State of Emergency” clause tightened up Contains a Bill of Fundamental Rights Contains a Bill of Fundamental Rights that are that are

guaranteed and enforceable by Courts—like US, not UKguaranteed and enforceable by Courts—like US, not UK 4242ndnd Amendment (1976, passed 366-4 and 191-0, Amendment (1976, passed 366-4 and 191-0,

ratified by state legislatures, and received Presidential ratified by state legislatures, and received Presidential assent): Socialist Republic, affirmed power of state to assent): Socialist Republic, affirmed power of state to eliminate subversion, fundamental duties clause eliminate subversion, fundamental duties clause ( defend country, promote social harmony, strive ( defend country, promote social harmony, strive towards excellence!)towards excellence!)

President must follow Council of Advisors, not just listen, President must follow Council of Advisors, not just listen, Amendments cannot be questioned by Courts. Later Amendments cannot be questioned by Courts. Later repealed to allow President to ask Council to reconsider, repealed to allow President to ask Council to reconsider, anti-nationalist provisions repealed tooanti-nationalist provisions repealed too

The Indian PresidentThe Indian President Currently Pribitha Patil (2007)Currently Pribitha Patil (2007) Elected for 5 year term (up in 2007) by electoral Elected for 5 year term (up in 2007) by electoral

college of both houses of Parliament and state college of both houses of Parliament and state legislatures. Narayayan (first Dalit) got 90% of legislatures. Narayayan (first Dalit) got 90% of Parliament vote in 1997Parliament vote in 1997

““Appoints” Prime MinisterAppoints” Prime Minister Can declare state of emergency (in consultation Can declare state of emergency (in consultation

with Council of Ministers, must be armed external with Council of Ministers, must be armed external aggression) and rule by decreeaggression) and rule by decree

Can dissolve ParliamentCan dissolve Parliament Commander-in-Chief of armed forcesCommander-in-Chief of armed forces Appoints State Governors and Supreme Court Appoints State Governors and Supreme Court

JusticesJustices Vice-President is next in succession, is head of Vice-President is next in succession, is head of

upper house of Parliament (like US Veep), election upper house of Parliament (like US Veep), election in 6 mos.in 6 mos.

The Indian Prime MinisterThe Indian Prime Minister

Currently Manmohan Singh (since 5/2004)Currently Manmohan Singh (since 5/2004)

Leader of majority party in Lok SabhaLeader of majority party in Lok Sabha PMs appoint and oversee the Council of PMs appoint and oversee the Council of

Ministers (45 members, must be MP or win a Ministers (45 members, must be MP or win a by-election, 15 meet formally as an “inner by-election, 15 meet formally as an “inner cabinet”)cabinet”)

Personality Cult followingPersonality Cult following Trouble with stability until 1998Trouble with stability until 1998

The Gandhi SagaThe Gandhi Saga

Most famous: Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv (both assassinated), Most famous: Indira Gandhi and her son Rajiv (both assassinated), Indira tried to expand powersIndira tried to expand powers

Indira violated election laws in 1975, declared state of emergency. Indira violated election laws in 1975, declared state of emergency. Congress members bolt, but Communist Party keeps her in power. Congress members bolt, but Communist Party keeps her in power.

1977 election (low inflation, good economy) but Congress LOSES 1977 election (low inflation, good economy) but Congress LOSES to Janata Party. Returned to power in 1979, assassinated by Sikh to Janata Party. Returned to power in 1979, assassinated by Sikh bodyguards in 1984 over martial law declaration. bodyguards in 1984 over martial law declaration.

Son Rajiv takes over (Sanjay had been groomed successor but Son Rajiv takes over (Sanjay had been groomed successor but died), wins 401 seats and over 50% of votedied), wins 401 seats and over 50% of vote

November 1989: Janata Dal party under V.P. Singh wins 143 seats November 1989: Janata Dal party under V.P. Singh wins 143 seats (Congress 197 but no coalition)(Congress 197 but no coalition)

May 1991: Rajiv Gandhi assassinated on campaign trail, and May 1991: Rajiv Gandhi assassinated on campaign trail, and Narasim Rao takes over as PM after Congress wins a seat pluralityNarasim Rao takes over as PM after Congress wins a seat plurality

Indian ParliamentIndian Parliament Lok Sabha (House of the People) (545):

Single member districts 525 from states, 18 from union

territories, 2 Anglo-Indian seats (appointed)

1.8 million/seat Neutral speaker, MONEY BILLS START

HERE Candidates must file nomination

papers and put down a deposit, returned if they receive 1/6 of the vote or more

5 year term, but can be dissolved by President on advice of PM

Must meet twice a year, no more than 6 mos between sessions

50 members can introduce a motion of censure—if it passes, Cabinet must resign

Raja Sabha (House of Raja Sabha (House of States) (250):States) (250):

Upper houseUpper house Elected by State Elected by State

legislatureslegislatures 12 appointed by 12 appointed by

President to represent President to represent professions, sciences, professions, sciences, artsarts

Fixed 6-year staggered Fixed 6-year staggered termsterms

The Indian Legislative The Indian Legislative ProcessProcess

Any bill other than a money bill can be Any bill other than a money bill can be introduced in either houseintroduced in either house

3 readings of bill: title, committee 3 readings of bill: title, committee decision/debate, formal votedecision/debate, formal vote

Must pass both chambers; disagreements Must pass both chambers; disagreements between versions are ironed out. If not, between versions are ironed out. If not, President can call for a special joint President can call for a special joint session of Parliament—majority votesession of Parliament—majority vote

President can refuse to give his assent, President can refuse to give his assent, but if the bill goes back and is passed but if the bill goes back and is passed again, he must give his assent. again, he must give his assent.

Most debates in English or HindiMost debates in English or Hindi

Indian JudiciaryIndian Judiciary Supreme Court: 26 justices interpret Constitution Supreme Court: 26 justices interpret Constitution

and arbitrating state disputes or federal/state and arbitrating state disputes or federal/state disputesdisputes

Justices appointed by President with consultation Justices appointed by President with consultation by members of the Court and state courtsby members of the Court and state courts

Normally most senior justice becomes Chief Normally most senior justice becomes Chief Justice, but Indira Gandhi broke that traditionJustice, but Indira Gandhi broke that tradition

Does have judicial review Does have judicial review Judges stay in office until 65Judges stay in office until 65 Broke huge bribery scandal in 1996Broke huge bribery scandal in 1996

Indian Political PartiesIndian Political Parties BJP—Bharatiya Janata Party: Campaigns for BJP—Bharatiya Janata Party: Campaigns for

“Hinduness,” has been moderated under Vajpayee. “Hinduness,” has been moderated under Vajpayee. Right of center, favors less regulation, party of Right of center, favors less regulation, party of upwardly mobile middle class, favors foreign capitalupwardly mobile middle class, favors foreign capital

Congress (I)—Indian National Congress, performed Congress (I)—Indian National Congress, performed weakly in 1998 elections but came back strong. 5 year weakly in 1998 elections but came back strong. 5 year plans, actually socialist but let private sector operate plans, actually socialist but let private sector operate and flourish. Also favors social reform, mildly left of and flourish. Also favors social reform, mildly left of center. Several splits based on ideology center. Several splits based on ideology

Communist Party—actually 2 types, Marxist and non-Communist Party—actually 2 types, Marxist and non-Marxist, popular near Chinese border, states of Kerala Marxist, popular near Chinese border, states of Kerala and West Bengal had/have the world’s first and West Bengal had/have the world’s first democratically elected Communist governmentsdemocratically elected Communist governments

Lok Dal—farmer’s partyLok Dal—farmer’s party Regional: DMK and AIADMK for Tamil autonomy, Akali Regional: DMK and AIADMK for Tamil autonomy, Akali

Dal for Sikhs, BSP for dalitsDal for Sikhs, BSP for dalits

Stages of Indian Stages of Indian Political Party StrengthPolitical Party Strength

1952-1977: Domination by Congress 1952-1977: Domination by Congress EX: 1971 won 41% of vote, 67% of seatsEX: 1971 won 41% of vote, 67% of seats 1977-1998: The Center Does Not Hold 1977-1998: The Center Does Not Hold

(cyclical Congress domination, Indira (cyclical Congress domination, Indira Gandhi back to power in 1980, 351/525)Gandhi back to power in 1980, 351/525)

1998-2004: The Center Holds (but with 1998-2004: The Center Holds (but with the BJP). BJP reasonably stable, 296/537 the BJP). BJP reasonably stable, 296/537 seats heldseats held

2004: BJP upset in election by Congress2004: BJP upset in election by Congress 2009: Congress wins landslide2009: Congress wins landslide

Lok Sabha Elections

Indian Political CultureIndian Political Culture Most prominent: Dominant state system, Village societyMost prominent: Dominant state system, Village society Two groups: rapidly growing “Wanna-be Western elite” vs. largely Two groups: rapidly growing “Wanna-be Western elite” vs. largely

illiterate masses clinging to old way of lifeilliterate masses clinging to old way of life 56-63% vote in elections, candidates use TV and pictures (even 56-63% vote in elections, candidates use TV and pictures (even

appear on ballot). Secret ballot, generally works well. 75% of appear on ballot). Secret ballot, generally works well. 75% of women vote. Illiteracy rate leads to creative campaigning.women vote. Illiteracy rate leads to creative campaigning.

27-47 members of the Lok Sabha have been female in recent years27-47 members of the Lok Sabha have been female in recent years Violence due to caste/economic problems and relationsViolence due to caste/economic problems and relations Rising Frustration: expectations have risen, citizens demand moreRising Frustration: expectations have risen, citizens demand more Domination by certain families/almost like elected nepotism!Domination by certain families/almost like elected nepotism! Media well respected throughout the world, extensive newspaper, Media well respected throughout the world, extensive newspaper,

television coveragetelevision coverage Strong bureaucracy and belief in it—IAS came from BritishStrong bureaucracy and belief in it—IAS came from British The Challenges of Modernization: Growth of a middle class Growth of technical industries and outsourced jobs Treatment of women and girls Medical technology and growing gender imbalance of babies

Indian Interest GroupsIndian Interest Groups Not like Western Europe or U.S., but unions do exist—Not like Western Europe or U.S., but unions do exist—

largest one (BMS) is linked to BJPlargest one (BMS) is linked to BJP Indian Naional Congress also created the “National Indian Naional Congress also created the “National

Indian Trade Union Congress”—interesting, would this Indian Trade Union Congress”—interesting, would this work in U.S.? (Creation of union by party)work in U.S.? (Creation of union by party)

12 million unionized trade workers12 million unionized trade workers Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and Federation of Indian Chambers of Commerce and

Industry—business group with 40,000 enterprises as Industry—business group with 40,000 enterprises as members. Favors more conservative wings of partiesmembers. Favors more conservative wings of parties

Some business owners created Forum for Free Some business owners created Forum for Free Enterprise (Swatantra Party) to shape more favorable Enterprise (Swatantra Party) to shape more favorable public attitudes towards businesspublic attitudes towards business

Keep in mind the Constitution endorses socialism as Keep in mind the Constitution endorses socialism as official policyofficial policy

Indian Foreign PolicyIndian Foreign Policy

Major regional power, yet many Major regional power, yet many argue it is below its international argue it is below its international potentialpotential

Nehru put India in Commonwealth, Nehru put India in Commonwealth, US had closer relations with US had closer relations with Pakistan during CWPakistan during CW

Kashmir dispute w/ Pakistan (and Kashmir dispute w/ Pakistan (and to a smaller extent, China)to a smaller extent, China)

Kashmir

Conflict and warfare between Pakistan and India since independence, Muslim majority state but part of India, not Pakistan Muslim-Hindu warfare within the area India and Pakistan 1998 nuclear tests Fighting intensified after 9/11 12/13 bombing didn’t help 2008 Mumbai terrorist attacks

Practice Question #1Practice Question #1 1. Describe 1 example of ethnic conflict in India 1. Describe 1 example of ethnic conflict in India

and a principal method used to resolve it. Do the and a principal method used to resolve it. Do the same with Russia, post-1991. Assess the same with Russia, post-1991. Assess the effectiveness of the government’s response in effectiveness of the government’s response in both situations.both situations.

Examples of dealing with conflict:Examples of dealing with conflict: Secret Police/jailing/execution/exileSecret Police/jailing/execution/exile Use of troopsUse of troops Federal system mitigates conflictFederal system mitigates conflict PartitioningPartitioning Legal systemLegal system Cultural institutions (schools, religion)Cultural institutions (schools, religion)

Practice Question #2Practice Question #2 The recruitment of elites is important in any political The recruitment of elites is important in any political

system. List and discuss factors that effect elite system. List and discuss factors that effect elite recruitment in India.recruitment in India.

EthnicityEthnicity Party AffiliationParty Affiliation RegionRegion EducationEducation CharismaCharisma GenderGender Social Status or caste or wealthSocial Status or caste or wealth Government/Military positions, offices, and experienceGovernment/Military positions, offices, and experience Patron-client relationshipsPatron-client relationships

Learning ObjectivesAfter mastering the concepts presented in this chapter, you will be able to: Understand the key moments of the historical formation of India. Discuss the role that the United Kingdom played in shaping and influencing

Indian history, politics and society. Assess the impact of colonialism on the formation of Indian state.

Recognize the importance of complex ethnic society, linguistic and cast challenges in process of understanding of Indian politics and society. Define the following: Dalits, Jati, Kshatriyas, Vaisyas, Bharmits, Sudra

Discuss the convoluted evolution of Indian politics. Comprehend the development of Nehru-Gandi political doctrinism and mixed

ideological spectrum of the liberated India. Understand the evolution of Indian state in 20th century and define key

elements of revolutions and fights for independence in India. Briefly discuss the role of the following leaders: Jawaharlal Nehru, Mohandas Gandhi, Indira Gandhi, Rajiv Gandhi

Learning ObjectivesAfter mastering the concepts presented in this chapter, you will be able to: Define Indian geography and current economic challenges. Understand the process of political, economic and social developments

of India. Discuss the elements of Indian state formation and functionality. Define the after-Gandhi progress of Indian state and society. Understand the specifications of Indian political culture and

participation. Define the role of political parties in Indian politics. Define and

understand the ideology if the following: Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), Indian National Congress

Understand the challenges of democratization in India. Comprehend the challenging process of the development of Indian

market economy.

India Objectives (final) Describe significant characteristics of Indian demography and geography• Explain poverty in the Indian context• Explain how British imperialism helped create India as a state and Indian

government• Describe how the Indian independence movement differed from other anti-

colonial movements• Describe the dominance of the Congress Party• Explain how politics and governance changed after 1989• Describe the political tensions between secularists and Hindu

“fundamentalists”• Assess the legitimacy of the Indian regime• Describe the role of the BJP in current politics• Explain why the elections of 2004 and 2009 are politically significant• Describe similarities and differences between the British and Indian regimes• Generalize about the Indian policy responses to communal violence in border

regions• Explain the role of economic liberalization in promoting economic growth