Discourse on caste politics a case study of Bihar

Abstract

quotThis is an empirical study primarily based on the discourse and content analysis of the secondary data available in the form of scholastic and journalistic writings on caste politics. The research methodology involves both qualitative and quantitative analysis of the available data. On the basis of the review of literature on the discourse of caste politics and survey, the study attempts to test the hypothesis caste conflict does not necessarily lead to social justice . The study covers the State of Bihar with special emphasis on the period spanning from 1990 to 2000. This study investigates the phenomenon of caste in its historical and evolutionary perspective on the one hand and the politics of caste in the contemporary context in Bihar on the other. To analyze the nature of caste politics in Bihar it deals with the issue of caste conflict in the State in the socio-economic and political context. This study also analyzes the discourse on caste politics in the light of caste conflict and the ensuing policy of affirmative action for the upliftment of the oppressed and marginalized classes. It investigates the issues of caste oppression, caste dominance, assertion for caste identity, social engineering involved in making new caste associations and federations for political maneuvering in the context of caste conflict. In this context the study also examines how far the ongoing caste conflict has helped in attaining inclusive social justice. The analysis of the discourse and the survey data indicate that social justice has become a political synonym for legitimizing caste and reservation politics and all the political parties are competing in this competitive enterprise. As a consequence, social justice in Bihar is yet to succeed in creating harmony among different castes and thus the caste conflict perpetuates. Empirical research does not warrant rejection of the hypothesis that caste conflict does not necessarily lead to social justice .quot newline