Routledge Handbook of Indian Politics (Hardcover, New)

India's growing economic and socio-political importance on the global stage has triggered an increased interest in that country. Scholars, policy analysts, students and the curious layperson alike are keen to gain a basic understanding of the ways in which the world's largest democracy functions. As a result, there is at present an unprecedented need for a ready reference that provides a concise but comprehensive introduction to the central themes of Indian politics and this Handbook fills this niche. Chapters are structured along the themes of state, society, and the politics that links the two in the context of post-Independence India. In the section entitled The State' a spectrum of India's leaders; institutions, such as political parties and federalism; economic growth and social development; and politics in different states are examined. The section on Society' analyzes identity politics; the relationship between religion and society; and various aspects of civil society. The final section -- International Perspectives' -- analyzes India's foreign relations as well as a selection of national security issues. The contributions are written by experts in their respective field, and consequently, the handbook offers an invigorating initiation into the seemingly daunting and complex terrain of Indian politics. It is targeted primarily towards academics, policy analysts, researchers and graduates as well as undergraduate students.