Remapping India
New States and Their Political Origins
Format:Paperback
Publisher:C Hurst & Co Publishers Ltd
Published:18th Oct '13
Currently unavailable, and unfortunately no date known when it will be back
This book explores the emergence of new states in India, particularly focusing on the implications of recent changes for the country's federal structure.
In Remapping India, the author delves into the significant changes in India's political landscape brought about by the emergence of new states. The book argues that the constitutional ability to modify state boundaries has contributed positively to the stability of India's democracy. However, it also highlights ongoing debates regarding the desirability of creating additional states, as various political entities, regional movements, and local activists continue to push for statehood in different regions. These demands reflect broader efforts to reshape both political and economic frameworks across the nation.
The narrative focuses on the pivotal events of 2000, when Chhattisgarh, Jharkhand, and Uttarakhand were formed, marking a notable shift in India's territorial organization. These states were established in some of the country's poorest yet resource-rich areas, particularly in the Hindi-speaking north and central regions. The author provides an in-depth analysis of the political motivations behind this 'post-linguistic' reorganization of states, shedding light on the complexities involved in such transformations.
Ultimately, Remapping India offers insights into the implications of state creation for the future configuration of India's federal system. It examines how these developments may influence governance, resource allocation, and regional identities, making it a crucial read for anyone interested in the dynamics of Indian politics and federalism.
'Tillin's book is a reminder of how the lower and middle castes have increasingly shaped Indian politics, and of how important the states and state elections have become within the union.' * Financial Times *
'Remapping India is an insightful, timely and much-needed exploration of the creation of new states in India, which also contributes to the study of state - society relations in contemporary India.' * International Affairs *
'A beautifully presented, well written and admirably researched book.' * Professor Robin Jeffrey, author of India's Newspaper Revolution and co-author of The Great Indian Phone Book *
'An elegantly written and insightful study of an aspect of Indian political development that has hitherto received surprisingly little attention from scholars - the creation of new states in what is the world's most populous federal union. The doubling of the number of states within the Republic of India, from fourteen in 1956, following linguistic reorganisation, to twenty-eight in 2000, almost seemed to happen by stealth, in dribs and drabs. However, on three occasions - in 1972, 1987 and 2000 - clutches of three states were created. Remapping India focuses on the last instance to explore the politics.' * James Chiryankandath, Senior Research Fellow, Institute of Commonwealth Studies, University of London *
'This fascinating book offers not only comparative examinations of three new states of the Indian Union - Jharkhand, Uttarakhand and Chhattisgarh - but also an explanation of the making of the three largest Indian states which have not been carved out on the basis of linguistic criteria. Louise Tillin painstakingly shows that they have almost been the unintended consequences of the dynamics of a multilevel federal structure in the context of the erosion of the Congress domination, the rise of the lower castes and the surge of Hindu nationalism in the 1990s. An important book for all students of Indian politics.' * Christophe Jaffrelot, Research Director at CNRS and author of Religion, Caste and Politics in India *
ISBN: 9781849042291
Dimensions: unknown
Weight: unknown
288 pages