Rise of the Plebeians?

This book provides an in-depth analysis of Indian political personnel's sociological profiles, focusing on caste backgrounds and their evolution over decades. Rise of the Plebeians? explores how caste shapes representation.

This comprehensive study delves into the sociological profile of Indian political personnel at the state level, focusing on the evolution of caste backgrounds among elected representatives known as Members of the Legislative Assembly (MLAs). Spanning from the 1950s to the 2000s, the book examines the individual trajectories of 16 states, providing a detailed analysis of how caste influences political representation in India.

Historically, India's political landscape has been dominated by upper caste notables from the urban bourgeoisie, landowning aristocracy, and intelligentsia. However, the democratization process in the world's largest democracy began with the emergence of peasant parties and the political mobilization of lower castes, who began to elect their own representatives after breaking free from elite control. This shift is crucial for understanding the dynamics of Indian state politics, where caste continues to play a significant role.

Rise of the Plebeians? not only highlights the caste-based social diversity in Indian politics but also examines other important variables such as occupation, gender, age, and education. By doing so, it offers a nuanced perspective on how these factors intersect to shape the political landscape, making it an essential read for those interested in the complexities of Indian democracy and the sociopolitical factors that influence it.