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 resources and influence social change, contrasting their strategies in two areas. The author concludes that local elites are informed, active, and responsive to political conditions, challenging the conventional view of their oppression.

Format: Paperback / softback
Length: 316 pages
Publication date: 15 March 2023
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. The author's findings reveal that the elites in the more economically advanced region demonstrated the ability to seamlessly combine institutional participation with radical protest, while in the less developed area, they tended to rely on state channels for reform.

In conclusion, this thought-provoking book challenges the conventional notion that local elites of dominant castes oppress the lower ones by obstructing reforms, driven solely by self-interest. Instead, it paints a nuanced picture, highlighting the informed, active, and responsive nature of both groups to political conditions. It serves as a valuable contribution to our understanding of the complex dynamics within Indian society and the pivotal role played by local elites in shaping its development.

Weight: 524g
Dimension: 156 x 235 x 21 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032041643