Introduction: India's Democracy-An Exception or a Model?

Abstract

The introductory chapter discusses the various aspects of the history of democracy in India. This volume reviews research on themes that are considered to constitute a major shift or departure from the earlier pattern of politics and political processes in India. The chapter includes debates on Indian democracy, public institutions in theory and practice, federalism, party politics, the Indian Constitution, and civil society initiatives. It also discusses the views of several analysts including Sumit Ganguly, Atul Kohli, and David Held about their concept of a successful democracy.