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India
This article is about Indian politics, government and law and relation between them. This article deals with factors correlating the three with each other.
Contents
- 1 Overview
- 2 Indian history in brief
- 3 Indian heritage and culture
- 4 Indian social scenario
- 5 Indian politics
- 6 Government of India
- 7 Law in India
- 8 Media in India
- 9 Factors affecting democracy in India
- 10 See also
- 11 References
- 12 Citation
//
Overview
India is the prominent constitutional country of Asia and is republic consisting of 28 states; 6 centre controlled union territories with New Delhi as India’s capital city. It is 7th largest and 2nd most populated country with roughly 1/6 of the world’s population. Thus it forms the largest democracy of the world. It is one of the oldest civilizations of the world with a rich and varied cultural heritage. It has achieved multi-dimensional socio-economic progress during the last 59 years of its independence. From being self sufficient in agricultural production to being involved in space exploration, it’s competing effectively in several fields with all other developed nations.
Indian history in brief
Aryans from the central Asia came to Indian sub-continent in 1500 BC. These people merged with original Indians called Dravidians and gave a dynamic start to the Indian classical culture. In 3rd and 4th century BC, Indian culture reached at its peak during the time of Mauryan Empire. Still the period of the Gupta dynasty from 4th to 6th century AD is considered the Golden Age of India. Arab invasion in 8th and Turkish invasion in 12th century was followed by European traders beginning in the late 15th century. By the 19th century Britain had assumed political control of all the Indian land. However India got independence after the diligent efforts of MK Gandhi in 1947. The sub-continent was divided into the states of India and Pakistan. Despite impressive gain in economic gain and output India faces significant problems like overpopulation, poverty, and religious strife.
This country is also known for the highly sophisticated and urbanized culture of the Indus Valley Civilization in the north-western part of the sub-continent from about 2600 to 2000 BC. From then it’s a virtually self-contained political and cultural arena, associated to Hinduism. Other religion notably Buddhism, Jainism and Sikhism, originated in India- there presence is quite small in India relative to the Islam . Throughout past centuries it developed a rich and varied culture with intellectual base in mathematics, medicine, astronomy, and architecture and influenced the complete world.
Indian heritage and culture
The Indian culture varies in a similar way to its geography. People speak more than a dozen of nationally recognized and hundreds of regional languages, dress differently in different parts , follow different religions having numerous castes , eat different food but are of the same temperament. So whether it is a pleasant occasion or a moment of sorrow, people participate whole-heartedly, with the feeling of nationalism and freedom. A festival or a celebration is never constrained to a family or a home. The whole community is involved in bringing liveliness to an occasion. Likewise, an Indian wedding in every religion is a celebration of union, not only of the bride and groom, but also of two families, and sometimes of cultures and religion. Similarly, in hard-times, neighbors and friends play an important part in easing out the grief.
Indian social scenario
India is among the most ethnically diverse countries of the world. Apart from many religions and sects its home to a number of castes and tribes as well as to several major and hundreds of other minor linguistic groups. Religion minorities include Muslims, Christians, Sikhs, Buddhists, and Jains. Several castes are in all these religions and the most significant, are among the Hindus who earlier were the most disadvantaged segment of the society, are the Scheduled Castes and Tribes or the “Untouchables”. Apart from it several castes from other religions also add to present an entirely different face of Indian society. Anyhow social scenario in one of the important factors which contributes to the rich and varied culture of India and at the same time is completely responsible for the politics prevailing and also for the type of government and laws formed.
The politics, government, law and media are known as the four pillars of democracy in India
Indian politics
Early development
After independence Indian politics had always been considered as a source of solutions for the country’s economic and social problems. Before that British affected the politics and economy of the country. Still politics in India moves with masses together including the minorities.
Indian politics entered a new era at the beginning of the 1990s. The extremely period of political domination by the Congress (I) Party branch of the Indian National Congress came to an end with the party’s defeat in the 1989 general elections, by other small and regional parties and in India began a period of intense multiparty political competition. Even though the Congress (I) regained power as a minority government in 1991, its grasp on power was weak. The Nehruvian socialist ideology of 1060s that the party had used to fashion India’s political agenda had lost much of its popular appeal. The Congress (I) political leadership had lost the mantle of moral integrity inherited from the Indian National Congress’s role in the independence movement, and it was widely viewed as corrupt. The main alternative to the Congress (I), the Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP–Indian People’s Party), embarked on a campaign to reorganize the Indian electorate in an effort to create a Hindu nationalist majority coalition. Simultaneously, such parties as the Janata Dal (People’s Party), the Samajwadi Party (Socialist Party), and the Bahujan Samaj Party (BSP–Party of Society’s Majority) attempted to ascend to power on the crest of an alliance of interests uniting Scheduled Castes (Dalits), Backward Classes, Scheduled Tribes, and religious minorities.
General facts
At least once every five years, India’s Election Commission of India conducts one of the largest, most complex elections of the world. India’s elections in the 2004 involved about 581 million voters who travel to nearly 800,000 polling stations to choose from some 11,680 candidates representing roughly 221 parties. The elections reveal much about Indian society. Candidates were from a wide spectrum of backgrounds, including former royalty, cinema superstars, religious holy men, war heroes, and a growing number of farmers. Campaigns utilize communications technologies ranging from the latest video van with two-way screens to the traditional rumor traveling by word of mouth. Increasing violence also has come to characterize elections. It also included the post effect of the war with Pakistan, riots of Gujrat, Ram Temple agenda, reservations to the Scheduled castes and tribes in all fields, state divisions etc. At present India has Congress and Allies government known as UPA(United Progressive Alliance) with NDA(National Democratic Alliance)in opposition. Now India is about to face another general election in mid 2009.
Practice
One irony of Indian politics is that its modern secular democracy has enhanced rather than reduced the political salience of traditional forms of social identity such as caste. Part of the explanation for this development is that India’s political parties have found the caste-based selection of candidates and appeals to the caste-based interests of the Indian electorate to be an effective way to win popular support. More fundamental has been the economic development and social mobility of those groups officially designated as Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes. Accounting for 52 and 15 percent of the population, respectively, the Backward Classes and Scheduled Castes, or Dalits as they prefer to be called, constitute a diverse range of middle, lower, and outcaste groups who have come to wield substantial power in most states like in UP. Over time there has been a steady increase in the number and power of parties promoting the parochial interests of individual states. As a result, political bargains and alliances between parties with widely divergent platforms are made and dissolved frequently. Moreover, expedient defections from one party to another in pursuit of personal political ambitions have become a feature of the political system. Legislation aimed at discouraging this practice has had only limited success. The structure of Indian union system creates a strong central government. But this system often had conflict with the growing number of parties. It’s because of this that sometimes the government appears less capable to prevent conflicts of ethnicity, religion and caste. This is also a bit encouraged by the criminalization of the Indian politics. Moreover, the Indian politics presents the mirror image of the Indian Society.
Government of India
About
The Government of India is framed according to the the Constitution. The architects of India’s constitution, though drawing on many external sources, were most heavily influenced by the British model of parliamentary democracy. In addition, a number of principles were adopted from the Constitution of the United States of America, including the separation of powers among the major branches of government, the establishment of a supreme court, and the adoption, albeit in modified form, of a federal structure (a constitutional division of power between the union and state governments). The mechanical details for running the central government, however, were largely carried over from the Government of India Act of 1935, passed by the British Parliament, which served as India’s constitution in the waning days of British colonial rule.
The Constitution
The new constitution was enforced on Jan. 26, 1950 and proclaimed India “a sovereign socialist secular democratic republic.” With 395 articles, 10 (later 12) schedules (each clarifying and expanding upon a number of articles), and more than 90 amendments, it is one of the longest and most detailed constitutions in the world. The constitution includes a detailed list of “fundamental rights,” a lengthy list of “directive principles of state policy” (goals that the state is obligated to promote, though with no specified timetable for their accomplishment), and a much shorter list of “fundamental duties” of the citizen.
Working
The constitution of India draws extensively from Western legal traditions in its outline of the principles of liberal democracy. It is distinguished from many Western constitutions, however, in its elaboration of principles reflecting the aspirations to end the inequities of traditional social relations and enhance the social welfare of the people. Probably no other nation’s constitution has provided so much impetus toward changing and rebuilding society for the common good. Since its enactment, the constitution has fostered a steady concentration of power in the central government–especially the Office of the Prime Minister. This centralization has occurred in the face of the increasing assertiveness of an array of ethnic and caste groups across Indian society. Increasingly, the government has responded to the resulting tensions by resorting to the formidable array of authoritarian powers provided by the constitution. Together with the public’s perception of pervasive corruption among India’s politicians, the state’s centralization of authority and increasing resort to coercive power have eroded its legitimacy to some extent.
Law in India
About
Law has been like a continuing process particularly during the last 300 years or more in Indian history. In the ancient period, when religious and customary law occupied the field, reform process had been ad hoc and not institution based through duly constituted law reform agencies. However, since the third decade of the nineteenth century, Law Commissions were constituted by the Government from time to time and were empowered to recommend legislative reforms with a view to clarify, consolidate and codify particular branches of law where the Government felt the necessity for it. The first such Commission was established in 1834 under the Charter Act of 1833 which recommended codification of the Penal Code, the Criminal Procedure Code and a few other matters. Thereafter, the second, third and fourth Law Commissions were constituted in 1853, 1861 and 1879 respectively which, during a span of fifty years contributed a great deal to enrich the Indian Statute Book with a large variety of legislations on the pattern of the then prevailing English Laws adapted to Indian conditions.
Early development
After independence, the Constitution of India with its Fundamental Rights and Directive Principles of State Policy gave a new direction to law reform geared to the needs of a democratic legal order in a plural society. Though the Constitution stipulated the continuation of pre-Constitution Laws till they are amended or repealed, there had been demands in Parliament and outside for establishing a Central Law Commission to recommend revision and updating of the inherited laws to serve the changing needs of the country. The Government of India reacted in favor and established the First Law Commission of Independent India in 1955.The Reports of the Law Commission are considered by the Ministry of Law in consultation with the concerned administrative Ministries and are submitted to the Parliament of India from time to time. They are cited in Courts, in academic and public discourses and are acted upon by concerned Government Departments depending on the Government’s recommendations.
Working
The Commission’s regular staff consists of many research personnel of different ranks and varied experiences. A group of secretarial staff looks after the administration side of the Commission’s operations. Priorities are discussed, topics are identified and preparatory work is assigned to each member of the Commission. Depending upon the nature and scope of the topic, different methodologies for collection of data and research are adopted keeping the scope of the proposal for reform in mind.
Media in India
Indian media portrays the picture of the Indian people. It’s probably the only thing in the country on which is trusted by everyone. Every type media in India enjoys complete freedom and is the responsible source for the people to make them aware of everything going on.
Indian media—initiated since the late 1700s with print media started in 1780, radio broadcasting initiated in 1927, and the screening of Auguste and Louis Lumière moving pictures in Bombay initiated during the July of 1895 —is among the oldest and largest media of the world. Indian media—private media in particular—has been free and independent throughout most of its history. The period of Emergency in India (1975–1977), declared by Prime Minister Indira Gandhi, was the brief period when India’s media was faced with potential government retribution.
India consumed 99 million newspaper copies as of 2007—making it the second largest market in the world for newspapers. By 2008, India has a total of 60,000,000 Internet users—comprising 6.0% of the country’s population, and 4,010,000 people in India also have access to broadband Internet as of 2008— making it the 18th largest country in the world in terms of broadband Internet users. India also ranks 8th in the list of countries by number of television broadcast stations by 1997 statistics.
Factors affecting democracy in India
Religion
In India, religion in life is a major influence over the Indian population and culture. No part of Indian life is without the presence of religion. Religion also plays an important role in the politics of India. A political party’s support greatly depends upon the religion of the group. The main religions of India are Hinduism and Islam and each religion has parties from whom support is given. In contrast to the Hindu population, India has the second largest population of Muslims in the world. Only Indonesia has more Islamic followers. Differing from other religions such as Buddhism, Jainism, and Sikhism, Islam is not based on Hinduism. The effect of religion on Indian politics is staggering. The hatred that has for so many years put the country in political strife does not seem to be declining. The feelings between all three religions, especially Hinduism and Islam, are just as strong as ever. The structure of the Indian government sets up for the confrontations between the opposing political parties. These confrontations are the basis for power struggle within the Indian government.
Caste
Caste system which is not only prevalent in the Hindu society but also in the Muslims, Sikhs and different sections of Christians affect the politics of region. The inequality in the different castes of Hindus although damages the integrity of the nation but any woks for the benefits of different sections of people. Hindus have basically four sections and hundreds of sub-sections. This factor contributes to a large number of parties in every state. Every election preparations are based on religious campaigns and social gathering of a section in particular. Many national religious issues are the key points of the success in elections. This factor has also lead to the formation of many strict laws
Population
India is the second most populated country of the world after China. Due to the immense population of over one billion, India faces many problems in terms of employment, health programs, education, poverty, economy, land, development etc. Even its considered the root of all the problems. To stop the population growth rate had been a major issue for the political parties and the government. India still lacks some effective laws to prevent population growth.
Development
India is still a developing country so the process of development in a major concern for the political parties and the government. From last few years Indian laws had very been very strict in terms of development rules and regulations. People also want to see their country at a comparative position to Europe and America.
Regional division
India is a vast nation and a very densely populated country. Although it has twenty seven states and seven union territories still there is big demand of people of some regions to make some more divisions in states to plan the economy and development in an effective way. This is major concern of political parties and even several parties are formed because of this reason.
Economy
India is one the biggest domestic markets of the world and thus economy is major concern for the people. In last few years some of the strong governments got removed in their next elections for the reason of not working properly for economy. Economy is one of the key factors which decides the future of a political collation in India.
International issues
The advent of information technology, recent wars with Pakistan, India role in World economy and world affairs had redefined the feeling of nationalism in India. People generally support those parties who are well capable to maintain respectable positions for India in world affairs.
Poverty and unemployment
Poverty and Unemployment is obvious in India as an outcome of overpopulation. Though every government tries its best to cope with this problem by various measures, still it’s one of the major problems of India and the national politics has too much to do with it. It affects the politics as major segment of the people regardless of religion faces problem due to poverty and unemployment. It’s always a major issue for all the political parties and the ruling government to look after this problem.
Some other factors
Still there are many other factors like education, corruption, women issues, student politics, criminalization of politics, west effect which are responsible for the kind of politics going on thus for the government and law.
Even after all diversities and different factors affecting this democracy, India is one of the fastest developing countries of the world. The success of democracy in India defies many prevailing theories that stipulate preconditions for democracy. Indian democracy is best understood by focusing not mainly on its socioeconomic determinants, but on how power distribution on that society is negotiated and renegotiated. This draws attention to such factors as leadership strategies, the design of political institutions or the political role of diverse social groups or in short, to the interaction of the society. A central theme of this volume is how the India deals with variety of politicized social groups – ethnic, class, caste, or regional – that periodically demand a great share of resources, autonomy and self-government.
See also
- Indian Government
- Indian Politics
- Indian Law
References
1. CIA – The World Factbook — India Features a map and brief descriptions of geography, economy, government, and people. https://www.cia.gov/library/publications/the-world-factbook/geos/in.html 2. An Introduction to India General information about the country, its geography, and its people and culture . www.geographia.com/India 3. Welcome to India – A land for All Seasons – Visit & Explore India Welcome to India. The best site for India Travel and Tourism – Brought to you by India Tourist Office, New York; www.tourindia.com/htm/homepage.htm 4.National Portal of India Official site of the Government of India, with a directory of official web sites of various departments india.gov.in 5.Outlook India “Online edition of this India-based newsweekly. Features news, articles, interviews, opinion pieces, and photo essays on current affairs, business, sports, science, environment, arts and entertainment, and society. Also includes an archive section for past issues.”
6.India Abroad “Comprehensive news resource on this country, aimed at non-residents. Provides coverage of the top news, business, and sports stories, and information on immigration, adoption, and local events.”
7.Maps of India “Collection of geographic, economic, topographic and demographic maps of India. Covers states and Union territories, and offers maps of tourist attractions, religious places, transportation networks, and educational institutions. Also includes a search option, and collaborative business proposals. ” 8.Doordarshan Information on the history and growth of India’s national television network. Features details about transmitters, audience, channels, satellites used, major coverage, and commercial services.
9.Lonely Planet – India Tourist guide to this country in south Asia. Provides a history as well as details on culture, attractions, excursion opportunities, accessibility, season to visit, and fairs and festivals. Includes general tips for travelers.
10.The Asian Age “Online version of this English daily published in India. Includes news reports, features, opinion polls, and columns by experts. “
11.The Economic Times Online version of this leading business daily publishing from India. Covers politics, economy, finance, companies, infrastructure, and stocks. Includes special features and weekly supplements such as Investor’s Guide, Brand Equity, and Corporate Dossier.
12.HindustanTimes.com Online version of this daily newspaper published from India. Contains articles and news items. Covers economy, sports, and stocks.
13.The Official Site of the High Commission of India in London
Citation
“India” Encyclopædia Britannica. 2008. Encyclopædia Britannica Online. 10 Nov. 2008 <http://www.britannica.com/EBchecked/topic/285248/India>.
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