Essays in the political sociology of South India

Politics in South India is today the focus of considerable attention by political analysts. The region has remained more or less uncharted and exotic territory for most foreigners and even for most North Indians. Published material on it is either prohibitively expensive or otherwise unavailable. This collection makes available the result of over a decade of first-hand research undertaken by a specialist on South India.

The essays previously published in India and the USA are grouped under three heads-the Dravidian Movement and Tamil Politics, the Nadars of Tamil Nadu, and the Kerala Communists. The articles in Section One study Tamil nationalist movement from its beginnings, the language riots in Tamil Nadu and the unique role of the cinema in Tamil politics.

The Second Section comprised of 4 essays focuses on the rise of social and political consciousness among the Nadars including one of the earliest movements of social uplift in the community. The last Section concentrates on the communist movement in Kerala. A product of authentic research of a high order, this book should appeal to both scholars and general readers interested in South India.