Analysis of contemporary Indian Society [ LASI2304 ]

The course will put a special emphasis upon the different aspects of contemporary Indian society, in particular social organisation, politics and the economy. The caste system will receive a special attention both from the point of view of its traditional aspects and its recent transformations. We shall also see how the contemporary political system links modernity and tradition. A special attention will be devoted to the study of economics, both from the local and general points of view. Specific themes will also be dealt with, such as poverty, population problems, urbanisation, etc. A number of texts will be made available to the student.

This course provides a general introduction to the study of the Indian sub-continent since 1947.