ABSTRACT
Thanks to modest but steady economic growth, mass communication and political competition, Indian society has changed greatly during the four decades since independence. Though per capita income has remained low by the standards of the rapidly industrialising countries of East Asia, the economy has practically doubled its volume during this period in aggregate terms. Economic change has affected traditional social bonds, without, however, irrevocably disrupting either the stability of the state or the democratic character of the political system. India’s relative success in securing stability, democracy and economic growth simultaneously has made her an exception to the turbulent history of most post-colonial states. This remarkable achievement has come under increasing strain during the closing years of the 1980s. But, in spite of the unrest in Punjab, Kashmir and Assam, the stability of the democratic political structure remains largely intact. The larger implications of this singular achievement go beyond the narrow domains of the area specialist. The book explores this broad theme, drawing primarily upon the experience of rural netas-drawn from the ranks of local leaders and elected representatives-who occupy the key position of intermediaries between the state and rural society.
