Democracy and Economic Change in India

George Rosen

• Publisher: University of California Press
• Year: 2023
• Print ISBN:
  9780520324329
• Edition: 1
• eBook ISBN:
  9780520324336
• Topic: Politics & International Relations
• Subtopic: Economic Policy
• Index: Politics & International Relations

Democracy and Economic Change in India explores the intricate relationship between political dynamics and economic development in the context of India. Drawing from over a decade of economic work in India and Nepal, including roles as an economic advisor to the Governments of Nepal and West Bengal, the author delves into the challenges of creating an environment conducive to economic progress. While economic plans may be straightforward to design, their acceptance and implementation depend heavily on the political framework. This study offers a unique perspective by merging insights from village-level anthropological research and national-level economic and political analysis to illuminate trends in India's development since 1947. The book critically examines the interplay between India's social structure and its evolving political and economic landscape, addressing gaps in data and suggesting pathways for further research. With an awareness of the global implications of these dynamics, the study frames its findings in a broader context, offering insights into U.S. policy toward India and other developing nations. A blend of field observations, statistical analysis, and macroeconomic perspectives provides a comprehensive understanding of India's journey and its relevance to broader discussions on development and democracy in underdeveloped countries. This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1966.

Many titles in the Voices Revived program are also newly available as ebooks, offered at a discounted price to support wider access to scholarly work.

Table of contents

• Cover
• Title
• Copyright
• Contents
• PART I Introduction
• 1 The Theme
• PART II: INDIA AT INDEPENDENCE
• Chapter 2. Rural Caste and Urban Class
• 3 British Government and the Congress Movement
• Part III Political Change in India Since Independence
• 4 Change Within the Congress Party
• 5 The New Role of Government
• Part IV Economie Policy and Achievement, 1947-1962
• 6 Economie Programs: Ideologies, Strategies, Achievements
• 7
• Politics and Policies: Implementation of Plans
• 8 Gains and Losses of Development— Rural India
• 9 Gains and Losses of Development— Urban India
• 10 Caste and Communal Economie Gains and Losses Since Independence
• Part V India’s Future Economic and Political Trends
• 11 Problems of the Economy
• 12 The Political Trends and Their Implications jor Economic Policy
• Part IV Conclusions: United States Policy
• 13 United States Policy
• Part VII Epilogue
• 14 Some General Applications
• Appendixes
• Appendix A
• The Theoretical Framework—A Social System In Equilibrium and Disequilibrium
• Appendix B Bibliography on Caste
• Appendix C Numbers in Middle Class Groups, 1961 (Table 21)
• Appendix D Numbers in Working Class Groups, 1961 (Table 24)
• Appendix E State Incomes from 1951-1961
• Index
• Selected RAND Books