Majoritarianism in India: Roots and Consequences - Paperback

by Javed Gaya (Author)

Majoritarianism in India examines the strident nationalism seizing India today, tracing its roots back to decisions made in the 1940s, particularly Partition and the drafting of the Constitution. Pre-Partition India had debated whether "liberty"--understood as "one man, one vote"--or "equality"--the equal political representation of minorities within a federal structure--should be the basis of a state. Congress chose "liberty", but contemporary India is reaching the point where it has neither: its democracy is compromised and majoritarianism prevails. By dividing the subcontinent and elevating the "cow belt", Partition seriously impeded social and economic progress in the newly created states, and brought communalism and casteism to the fore.

Author Biography

Javed Gaya is a lawyer from Mumbai, specializing in commercial arbitration law. He studied jurisprudence at the University of Oxford and has taught law at colleges affiliated to the University of Mumbai. He contributes to various publications on topics including constitutional law, history and foreign affairs, and writes book reviews.