Politics of Identity

Politics of Identity explores the relationship between ethnicity, nationalism and the modern state. It examines: the pre-colonial state system in India; the colonial state system and the changes that it effected until partition and the independence of India; and the state system in Pakistan, explaining its role in causing discontent.

---

`Excellent and compelling 

 - Partha Chatterjee, University of Columbia
`A provocative, passionate and stimulating new interpretation of ethnic nationalism′

- Dipesh Chakrabarty, University of Chicago


`A significant study that informs us of the politics and group interests in one of the most volatile regions of the world′

- Stephen Castles, Oxford University


`Very interesting intellectual and political ideas - refreshing′

- Gyan Pandey, Johns Hopkins University


`An informed and lucid work that demystifies the politics of nationalism′

- Howard Brasted, University of New England


A major challenge Pakistan has been confronted with since it came into existence is the self-assertion of various ethinic groups, which have actively contested the legitimacy of the state structure. However, despite the seriousness of this ethnic challenge, there exists no detailed study of these movements—Politics of Identity fills this vacuum.



Highlighting the role the state plays in the lives of individuals, the book

–Studies both the pre-colonial and colonial state system in India and the changes it effected till India’s independence and the creation of Pakistan.

–Assesses the state in Pakistan and explains its role in giving rise to ethnic discontent.

–Studies four ethnic movements—Pukhtun, Baloch, Sindhi and Mohajir—demonstrating how proximity to or distance from state power have influenced their politics.

–Critically reviews some influential theories of nationalism and shows how they have not adequately explained ethnic nationalism in some parts of the world.