Introduction Democracy in India is often celebrated as the world’s largest experiment in popular governance. Since its independence in 1947, India has upheld democratic ideals of universal adult suffrage, rule of law, and representative institutions despite its enormous cultural, linguistic, and religious diversity. From a sociological perspective, Indian democracy is not merely a system of … Read more
Introduction on Religion and Politics India is one of the most religiously diverse societies in the world, often described as the cradle of pluralism. Hinduism, Islam, Christianity, Sikhism, Buddhism, Jainism, Judaism, and Zoroastrianism coexist within its socio-cultural framework. Religion has been central to shaping social identity, community life, and collective consciousness. Politics, on the other … Read more
Introduction on Caste and Politics Caste and politics in India are deeply interlinked phenomena that have shaped the country’s democratic processes, electoral outcomes, and patterns of governance. While caste is a traditional system of social stratification rooted in hierarchy, politics in a democracy seeks to represent people through equality and participation. At first glance, these … Read more
Introduction on Democracy and Its Discontent Democracy, often hailed as the most legitimate form of governance, represents a system where political power derives from the collective will of the people. Its foundational ideals—freedom, equality, participation, and representation—make it both an aspiration and a benchmark for modern societies. Yet, while democracy is celebrated across the globe, … Read more
Introduction on Nation and State The nation-state is one of the most significant institutions in the modern world, shaping politics, culture, economy, and identity. It represents a fusion of two ideas: the nation, a cultural and social community bound by shared history, language, ethnicity, or values, and the state, a political and legal entity with … Read more
Introduction on Authoritarian and Democratic State The state is one of the most central institutions in sociology, as it holds the authority to regulate society, maintain order, and shape the course of human development. Different forms of states emerge across history depending on the nature of power, legitimacy, and citizen participation. Among the most studied … Read more