Aims

This course studies the various aspects of contemporary Indian society, i.e. social structure, politics, economy, etc.
The Indian caste system will be analysed with a special emphasis on its recent transformations. Local and global aspects of the Indian economy will be considered.
Several more specific themes will be tackled : poverty, demography, urbanisation etc.

Main themes

The course will put the stress on various aspects of contemporary India, in particular social organization, politics and economics. The Indian caste system will be given a special attention, both as a traditional form of social organization and in its contemporary aspects. Similarly one will see how the political system is a mixture of modernity and tradition. Each year, a special theme will be analysed as for instance poverty, the green revolution, etc.
A reading list will be provided to students.

Content and teaching methods

The course will focus on different aspects of contemporary Indian society, from 1947 up to this day. After a broad presentation, it will focus on caste, politics and economics.
1) General introduction
2) Caste : a special attention will be given to its recent changes
3) Politics: the rise and fall of the congress party
4) Economics; the green revolution, poverty, liberalization.

Other credits in programs