Question

What is Varshney’s argument for why lower caste Hindus in India overall have fared better in the southern states compared to the northern states since independence?

Answer 1

Answer: According to Mr Ashutosh Varshney's work on political developments in India ,He tried to explain various developments in indian politics since independence which includes various topics like era of one party dominance, Ethic conflict among various groups, on topics like caste's role in politics, differences in approach toward politics in north and south India. Above given statement is one among such discussions.

According to him in southern indian states witnessed the backward and lower caste movements earlier since independence between 1950s and 60s at zenith and those movements largely nased on idea of social justice ,equality and dignity as integral part of lexicon of indian politics in southern states.Hence those parties which supported such cause rise in power in such states and focused upon these things which led to rise in level of education and other human development indicators in these regions and as a result lower caste Hindus in South Indian states are in overall parameters faired well than those in north indian states where political matters largely decided around religious and caste based matters.

Though later in 1980s and 90s various such parties started emerging in north india which focused on backward and dalits rights that much latet than south indian states.

Hope it helps!