ABSTRACT

This book studies the political integration of Indian diaspora communities into their host societies. It argues that insertion occurs on an ethnic basis which enables these groups to utilise their clout, and at the same time exert collective rights in matters like freedom of religion, organisation and lifestyle. Drawing on case studies from South Africa, America, and the Caribbean, the volume analyses different forms, levels and patterns of groupist political integration. It examines various instances of integration such as anti-Indian apartheid laws; the life and times of Dr Sudhindra Bose, one of the early Bengali intellectuals in the US; Hindutva organisations in the US/UK; as well as the introduction of the Overseas Citizen of India (OCI) Scheme by the Indian government.

An important intervention in the study of ethnic groups and their integration, the book will be of interest to students and researchers of diaspora studies, globalization and transnational migration, cultural studies, minority studies, sociology, political studies, international relations, and South Asian studies.

chapter 1|13 pages

Introduction

The politics of integration in Indian diaspora societies

part I|70 pages

National integration

chapter 3|28 pages

Integrated lives?

A reading of selected photographs as a phenotype for being Indian in South Africa

chapter 4|18 pages

The NRI Gupta Waterkloof landing

Implications for political integration of Persons of Indian Origin in South Africa

part II|40 pages

Dualities in integration

chapter 6|14 pages

Reconciling boundaries and identities

The world of Dr. Sudhindra Bose in early 20th-century America

part III|66 pages

Global dimensions of integration

chapter 7|26 pages

From cyber-Hindutva to Ab Ki Baar Trump Sarkar

(Trans)national entanglements of Hindu diaspora political integration

chapter 8|18 pages

The gift of diasporic citizenship

The Overseas Citizenship of India scheme as a tool for nation-building