Gjesteforelesninger med Gopal K. Karanth ¡­

Gjesteforelesninger med Gopal K. Karanth 2. og 3. mai 2006

Crowds for Hire: Making Sense of Political ¡®Melas¡¯

Dissent, consensus, negotiations and bargain are among the essential features of any democratic processes. In achieving any success in these, mobilisation of people is a basic necessity. This paper attempts to describe the multiple facets of mass mobilisation through the political rallies (Melas) in India¡¯s political processes. Assembling a huge crowd is not merely for seeking votes in a forthcoming election, but also as a show of strength and to demonstrate political one up-manship.¡¯

Sted: Auditorium 3, Eilert Sundts hus, A-blokka, Moltke Moes vei 31 Tid: Tirsdag, 2. mai kl 10.00-12.00

Caste Politics and Caste in Politics: Myths and Mysteries

For long, caste has attracted social scientists, both as a social/cultural and political institution. There has been periodic ¡®stock taking¡¯ of caste in India, and recognition of the rapid transformation in the institution. As a system, its obituary too has been written up. Yet, caste as a concept (as an orientation, preoccupation, or consideration) dominates any discussion of politics in India. This paper puts forth a few hypotheses about caste and caste in politics in India. When debated and validated with empirical evidence, quite a few myths and mysteries about caste may stand exposed, while bringing up a few new ones.

Sted: Auditorium 3, Eilert Sundts hus, A-blokka, Moltke Moes vei 31 Tid: Onsdag, 3. mai kl 14.00-16.00