Author: Ghanshyam Shah
Publisher: Sage Publications
Year: 2004
Language: English
Pages: 282
ISBN/UPC (if available): 0761998349
Description
Social movements primarily take the form of non-institutionalised collective political action which strive for political and/or social change. While India has witnessed many such movements over the centuries, it is only recently that scholars have begun to study them in depth.
This thoroughly revised and updated version of a seminal book divides studies on social movements in India into nine categories based on the participants and issues involved: peasants, tribals, dalits, backward castes, women, students, middle class, working class, and human rights and environmental groups. Each of the nine chapters is divided according to the major components of most social movements: issues, ideology, organization and leadership.
Based on these divisions, Professor Shah critically examines and reviews the literature concerning social movements in India from 1857 to the present. In the process he discusses the theoretical issues raised by various scholars while analysing major trends in different movements. In conclusion, he suggests areas for future research.
Proposing a logical classification of social movements in modern India, this book will be widely welcomed by social activists as well as by political scientists, historians and sociologists. It will also be invaluable as a text in courses on social movements.
REVIEWS
Professor Shah deserves to be richly congratulated on his painstaking intellectual effort in giving us this invaluable reference tool.
-Deccan Herald
Represents a feat of excellence in the realm of research.
-Indian Historical Review
An excellent contribution to an important area which demands greater attention by scholars and researchers.
-Social Action
An important contribution to the understanding of social movements in India.
-Choice: Journal of the American Library Association
Contents
ABBREVIATIONS
PREFACE TO THE SECOND AND ENLARGED EDITION
PREFACE TO THE FIRST EDITION
Introduction
Peasant Movements
Tribal Movements
Dalit Movements
Backward Caste/Class Movements
Women’s Movements
Industrial Working Class Movements
Students’ Movements
Middle Class Movements
Human Rights and Environmental Movements
Conclusions and Future Research
Index
ABOUT THE AUTHOR