This course introduces the politics of South Asia, a region that is large, complex, and full of contradictions. Nearly one out of every four people in the world resides in South Asia. The region is home to one of the most successful cases of democracy in the developing world, but historically has also included military dictatorships and absolute monarchies. Despite the region’s growing economic and political clout, riots, insurgencies, terrorism, and the possibility of nuclear conflict persist. South Asia claims several dozen billionaires as well as more than 40% of the world’s poor. The region’s population is divided along linguistic, regional, caste, tribal, and religious lines. The course introduces the politics of this region by identifying what we mean by the term “South Asia” and describing the region’s colonial legacy and contemporary political institutions. It then proceeds to political overviews of the countries in South Asia. Next, the course considers the many ways in which the region’s diversity—whether through caste, religion, language, or gender—has influenced politics. Finally, it concludes by focusing on the many challenges facing South Asia, including corruption, poverty, and violence. Although the course covers all South Asian countries, it places greater emphasis on the more populous countries in the region, paying greatest attention to India, followed by Pakistan and Bangladesh.

Intended Course Learning Outcomes (CLOs)

In successfully completing this course, students will

• Gain knowledge about the shared legacy of political and constitutional tradition as well as different patterns of post-independence political development in various countries of South Asia.
• Able to develop a theoretical outlook for comparative analysis  political system of South Asian countries
• Gain basic literacy in South Asian politics, such that they can critically consume new stories, op-eds, and academic articles related to the region

Assessment Criteria;

• Attendance and Class Participation: 10%

75% of attendance would be mandatory to take the final term exams. Students are encouraged to participate in class discussion and ask questions. Students are expected to come to class well prepared, having read the assigned reading for each class. Please come to class on time. Habitually coming to class late will be penalized. Cell phones must be turned off. If your phone rings in class on more than one occasion, I will ask you to leave class.

• Short Term Paper: 4%

Every student is required to submit a short-term paper of ranging 2000 to 3000 words on  the assigned titles. Similarity Index would be evaluated by using Turnitin Software.

• Presentations: 4%
• Map Quiz: 2%
• Mid Term Examination: 30%
• Final Term  Examination: 50%

Class Days and Timings:

• Monday (11:00 - 12:30 )
• Friday   (08:00 - 09:30 )

Recommended Books:

1.  Neil Devotta, An Introduction to South Asian Politics, London: Routledge, 2015.

2. Paul R. Brass, Routledge Handbook of South Asian Politics: India, Pakistan, Bangladesh, Sri Lanka, and Nepal, London: Routledge, 2013.

3. Sugata Bose and Ayesha Jalal, Modern South Asia: History, Culture, Political Economy, London: Routledge, 2011.

4. Ayehs Jalal, Democracy and Authoritarianism in South Asia: A comparative and historical perspective, London: Cambridge University Press, 2002.