Introduction Communalism refers to a social phenomenon in which religious identity becomes the primary basis for political mobilization, social conflict, and group loyalty. In plural societies like India, communalism poses a serious challenge to social harmony and democratic governance. While communal tensions are often portrayed as outcomes of religious differences, a deeper sociological analysis reveals…
Introduction The caste system has been one of the most enduring social institutions in India. Rooted in ancient occupational divisions and later rigidified into hereditary hierarchies, caste has historically structured social relationships, economic opportunities, and political power. After Independence, the Indian Constitution sought to dismantle caste-based discrimination through legal safeguards, affirmative action, and the promotion…
Introduction Economic development in India over the past three decades has resulted in significant reductions in absolute poverty. According to World Bank data, India’s poverty ratio declined from approximately 45% in the early 1990s to less than 10% by the early 2020s (at national poverty lines). However, the persistence of economic inequality despite high growth…