Liberalization, Hindu nationalism, and the state : a biography of Gujarat

In this path-breaking account, Nikita Sud critically re-examines the post-independence history and politics of Gujarat, one of Indias leading federal units. Today, Gujarat is known for its pioneering role in market liberalization and as the site of ethno-religious strife. Adopting a long-term view, Sud offers a fresh perspective on the seemingly puzzling co-existence of economic liberalism and political illiberalism. Challenging paradigms that posit the decline of the developmental state in India, she places the ideas, institutions and politics of the state at the heart of the analysis. Highlighting the states recent re-orientation, both as an enabler of the market and as a vehicle for Hindu cultural nationalism, Sud explores how interactions between a re-invigorated state, private corporate capital and ethno-nationalism are configuring the new India. This book presents a comprehensive account of the post-Independence history and politics of Gujarat, one of India's most important federal units. Gujarat is known both for its leading position in economic development, and as the home of ethno-religious political divisiveness. Adopting a macro, long-term perspective, the author examines the co-existence of economic liberalism and political illiberalism in the state. Placing the state at the heart of the exploration, she demonstrates the nuances of what is often portrayed as a clear-cut decline of the developmental state in India. Instead, the author highlights the recent reorientation of the state both as the enabler of the market and as the vehicle of Hindu cultural nationalism. This work also analyses the ongoing relevance of the state to India's spectacular growth story, and the complexities of neo-liberal transformation. In this path-breaking account, Nikita Sud critically re-examines the post-independence history and politics of Gujarat, one of India’s leading federal units. Today, Gujarat is known for its pioneering role in market liberalization and as the site of ethno-religious strife. Adopting a long-term view, Sud offers a fresh perspective on the seemingly puzzling coexistence of economic liberalism and political illiberalism. Challenging paradigms that posit the decline of the developmental state in India, she places the ideas, institutions and politics of the state at the heart of the analysis. Highlighting the state’s recent re-orientation, both as an enabler of the market and as a vehicle for Hindu cultural nationalism, Sud explores how interactions among a re-invigorated state, private corporate capital and ethno-nationalism are configuring the ‘new India’ This Is A Comprehensive Account Of The Post-independence History And Politics Of Gujarat, Using A Macro, Long-term Perspective. It Examines The Co-existence Of Economic Liberalism And Political Illiberalism In The State And Analyses Its Relevance To India's Growth Story. Nikita Sud. Includes Bibliographical References (p. [205]-229) And Index.