Sanjib Baruah Bücher

In the Name of the Nation offers a much-needed contemporary history of India's troubled Northeastern region.

It is the story of a destitute beggar boy adopted by a kind and wise foster father, who gave him a decent life and guided him to a respectable position in a spiritual world. The boy, Arun, had to work various manual jobs like porter, ploughman/farmhand and finally a domestic cook in a family. After a few years, Jai Prakash of that family finds Arun to have two masters and a doctorate degree, working as PA to an MP and rubbing shoulders with topmost bureaucrats of the country. Surprised and dumbstruck, he asks Arun to reveal the truth. Arun visits the family and unfolds the tragic, strange and colorful story of his journey from Bittu to Dr. A. K. Singh, from rags to a world of spirituality. When his story ends, things take a dramatic turn and then...

India's democracy, enriched by its exceptional ethnonational diversity, presents a complex puzzle for comparative politics scholars. This anthology, part of the Critical Issues in Indian Politics series, compiles key theoretical essays and analytical writings on ethnonational movements and conflicts, addressing major debates in the field. It explores various forms of ethnonationalism in India, including separatism, secessionism, sub-nationalism, and regionalism. Contributions from leading scholars examine the merits and challenges of India's 'demos-enabling' federalism, the role of 'consociationalism' in politics, and the question of whether India can be classified as an 'ethnic democracy.' The volume reflects diverse theoretical and political perspectives while assessing India's management of ethnonational diversity. It analyzes the three waves of state reorganization and traces the intellectual history of federalism debates, as well as discussions on majoritarian versus consensual democracy predating Independence. Ethnonational demands in postcolonial India are often accommodated, yet they can escalate into persistent conflicts. The essays shed light on both resolved and unresolved issues in regions such as Kashmir, Assam, Manipur, Mizoram, the Naga areas, Punjab, and Tamil Nadu. With a comprehensive Introduction, this collection serves as a valuable resource for students and scholars in politics, sociology, history, and c