Democracy, Nationalism, And Communalism: The Colonial Legacy In South Asia

by Asma Barlas

Overview

Although India and Pakistan were part of a single state until liberation from British colonial rule in 1947, the former has since emerged as the world’s largest “democracy," whereas the latter has been under military control for most of its history. In this thought-provoking volume, Asma Barlas explores the complex and delicate issue of democracy in India and Pakistan. Within this context, Barlas’s analysis helps to clarify why democracy in South Asia continues to be so precarious, why nationalism still takes a “communal" form, and why the two postcolonial states, in spite of differences between them, continue to be top-heavy, elitist, and authoritarian.

Product Details

ISBN-13:	9780367011819
Publisher:	Taylor & Francis
Publication date:	04/18/2019
Pages:	254
Product dimensions:	5.81(w) x 9.00(h) x (d)
Lexile:	1550L (what's this?)

About the Author

Asma Barlas is assistant professor of politics at Ithaca College.

Table of Contents

1. Introduction 2. Democracy, Nationalism, and Communalism: A Gramscian Approach 3. The Colonial State and Democracy, Nationalism, and Communalism 4. Colonial Hindu Politics: Democracy, Nationalism, and Communalism 5. Colonial Muslim Politics: Democracy, Nationalism, and Communalism 6. Conclusion

Editorial Reviews

Analyzes the political trajectories of India and Pakistan since independence that led one to become the world's largest democracy and the other to be under military rule most of the time. Traces the difference to forms of consciousness and organization of various classes during the colonial period. Also explains the communal expression of nationalism and the top-heavy authoritarianism that the two countries share. Annotation c. Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)

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