Introduction The relationship between religion, ethnic violence, and secularism is complex and deeply interwoven in political discourse. The statement that “the politics of religion and ethnic violence is basically the politics of secularism and secularization” suggests that secularism, rather than being a neutral force, often plays an active role in shaping conflicts and political strategies….
Introduction The concepts of nation and citizenship have been integral to political and social discourses across the world. A nation is often defined as a group of people sharing common cultural, historical, linguistic, and sometimes religious attributes, bound together by a collective identity. Citizenship, on the other hand, refers to the legal and political status…
Caste in India is a complex social construct that has evolved over millennia, influencing not just social hierarchies but also political, economic, and cultural dynamics. In contemporary India, caste continues to play a critical role in politics, social interactions, and community mobilization. Historically, caste identities were seen as “primordial” – innate, unchangeable, and rooted in…
Introduction Regionalism and national unity are two contrasting forces that influence the political, social, and economic landscape of any nation. While regionalism focuses on the interests, identity, and aspirations of specific regions, national unity emphasizes the collective identity and integrity of the entire country. In India, a diverse nation with multiple languages, cultures, and traditions,…
Uttar Pradesh, India’s most populous state, has long been a microcosm of the nation’s political diversity. While national parties such as the Indian National Congress (INC) and the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) have historically dominated the state’s political landscape, the emergence and consolidation of regional parties over the past few decades have significantly transformed the…