Criminalisation of Politics: Caste, Land and the State

Book Details

• Author: Avinash Kumar

• Binding: Hardcover

• Publisher: Rawat Publications

• ISBN: 9788131606735

• Language: English

• Release Date: 01-01-2015

• Pages: 264

About the Book

The book addresses the phenomenon of criminalization of politics in India, a topic often discussed in the media but insufficiently explored in scholarly work. This issue has deep roots in the democratization process of the country. The author investigates how political practices in the state of Bihar have evolved, specifically analyzing the interrelation between land, caste, and politics, which has significantly contributed to the criminalization of politics.

Central to the study is the exploration of the patron-client relationship within Indian politics, which is sustained through caste, community, kinship, and family. This often-referred-to but less academically examined network plays a pivotal role in Bihar's political landscape. The author provides a detailed analysis of how these relationships influence governance and perpetuate criminalization within the political system. The book offers an in-depth, academic framework that sheds light on the social and political dynamics that have led to the criminalization of politics in India, with a special focus on Bihar.

The study also delves into the political economy of Bihar, offering critical insights into the state's historical engagement with caste and land issues. The book challenges conventional views and offers a fresh analytical perspective on the relationship between crime and politics in the Indian context.

Contents

1. Introduction

2. Crime, [Politics], and Non-Punishment

3. The Economics of Change

4. The Politics of Change

5. Where Life Meets the State: From Landlords to Ganglords

6. The State in Bihar Today: Truth or Myth

About the Author

Avinash Kumar is an Assistant Professor at the Centre for Informal Sector and Labour Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, New Delhi. He has previously taught at the University of Delhi and worked with various institutions, including the University of Birmingham, Indian Institute of Dalit Studies, and the National Commission for Minorities in India. His work spans a variety of topics including caste and religious discrimination, social movements, political economy of land acquisitions, and state politics. Kumar's current research interests include the political economy of the Indian state, globalization, labor movements, and urban political issues.