Power, Protest and Participation: Local Elites and the Politics of Development in India

This book explores the attitudes of local elites in India towards protest and participation in development, highlighting their role as representatives of the state and rural society. It examines how they manipulate resource allocation and influence social change, contrasting their strategies in economically advanced and less advanced areas. The author concludes that local elites are informed, active, and responsive to political conditions, challenging the conventional view of their oppression of lower castes.

Format: Hardback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 06 September 2021
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

This captivating book, originally published in 1992, delves into the profound examination of the attitudes held by local elites, serving as the vital bridge between the Indian state and rural society. Through its insightful analysis, it sheds light on compelling arguments regarding the nature of the state and the intricate development process. The book explores the crucial role of local elites in India, portraying them as both representatives of the state and the broader rural community. It sheds light on their immense significance in the country's development trajectory.

The book delves into the elites' contribution to the credibility of the state, scrutinizing the strategies they employ to manipulate resource allocation and exert influence over the pace and direction of social change. It presents a captivating contrast by examining the rural elites in two distinct areas, one characterized by greater economic advancement than the other. Notably, the elites in the first area demonstrated a remarkable ability to harmonize institutional participation with radical protest, showcasing their adaptability and responsiveness to political conditions. In contrast, the elites in the second area tended to rely on state channels to pursue reform, highlighting the diverse approaches they adopted to achieve change.

The author's insightful conclusion emerges from this comparative analysis: despite the varying contexts, both groups of local elites exhibited a high level of informality, activism, and responsiveness to political developments. This stands in stark contrast to the conventional perception that dominant caste local elites oppress lower castes by obstructing reforms, driven solely by self-interest. This book offers a valuable contribution to our understanding of local elites, their roles, and their impact on the development of societies, challenging prevailing narratives and providing a fresh perspective on the complex dynamics of power and governance.

Weight: 780g
Dimension: 234 x 156 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032041612