Region, Religion and Politics: 100 Years of Shiromani Akali Dal

The Shiromani Akali Dal is the oldest religion-based regional political party in India, participating in democratic politics and processes of socio-economic development. It has transformed from a religious movement to a political party that seeks to safeguard the political, social, and economic interests of the Sikhs as a minority and represent them in governing institutions. The study explores why and how social and economic antagonisms arise out of generation and articulation of demands in a pluralistic society, undergoing modernization and democratization, are marked by identity politics. The study is located in the broader framework of the rise and growth of regional parties and identity politics in India as a part and consequence of India's adopted model of state and nation building, integration, and socio-economic development and transformation.

Format: Hardback
Length: 420 pages
Publication date: 06 October 2022
Publisher: Taylor & Francis Ltd

The Shiromani Akali Dal, a regional political party with roots in the oldest religion, is the subject of an objective and dispassionate study. This party participates in democratic politics and processes, contributing to socio-economic development and transformation in the country. The study delves into the historical events and developments that shaped the Akali Dal's journey, from its emergence as a religious movement to its transformation into a religious political party. It explores the party's commitment to safeguarding the political, social, and economic interests of the Sikhs, a minority group, and its representation in governing institutions. The Akali Dal's struggle for power in the secular domain is also examined, as it mobilizes community support through the ideology of fusion of religion and politics. However, the party lacks equal support from different sections of the community.

Rather than merely presenting a narrative of events and strategies, the study aims to understand the underlying factors that contribute to social and economic antagonisms in a pluralistic society undergoing modernization and democratization. It explores how identity politics plays a role in marking these antagonisms, particularly in the context of the rise and growth of regional parties and identity politics in India.

The study is situated within the broader framework of India's adopted model of state and nation building, integration, and socio-economic development and transformation. It sheds light on the complex interplay between religion, politics, and identity in shaping the country's political landscape and social dynamics.

In conclusion, this study provides a comprehensive analysis of the Shiromani Akali Dal, a regional political party with significant historical and contemporary significance. It offers valuable insights into the role of religion in politics, the dynamics of identity politics, and the challenges faced by minority groups in a pluralistic society. The study contributes to our understanding of the complex interplay between religion, politics, and social change in India.

Dimension: 216 x 138 (mm)
ISBN-13: 9781032377339