This article reconstructs the core arguments from Page 15 (or Chapter 15) of Kothari’s framework, explaining how he revolutionized the understanding of caste—not as a dying feudal relic, but as a dynamic, adaptive force at the heart of Indian democracy.
Rajni Kothari's Caste in Indian Politics argues that caste is not a barrier to modernization, but rather a foundational element that enables democratic integration and political mobilization in India. Kothari emphasizes the "politicization of caste," where traditional structures are utilized to gain political power and representation within the secular democratic system. For an academic summary of these concepts, visit Politics for India CSE - IIT Kanpur Book Excerptise: Caste in Indian Politics by Rajni Kothari Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf
: During elections, caste becomes a critical factor. Voters often align along caste lines, although this is not the sole determinant of voting behavior. The literature also discusses how caste is used in the electoral process, including the nomination of candidates from specific castes to attract votes. This article reconstructs the core arguments from Page
Given the filename structure, your PDF is almost certainly a scanned copy of the 1970 Orient Longman edition of Caste in Indian Politics , specifically the Introduction. Page 15 in that edition begins with a paragraph on how electoral politics creates new solidarities across sub-castes (jatis). For an academic summary of these concepts, visit