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India has always been a land of contrasts and marvels. Today it contrives to be a functioning democracy in the midst of a society that remains inherently hierarchical. In order to grasp this paradox in all its dimensions, Jean Alphonse Bernard resolved to revisit the realities of India now in the company of Alexis de Tocqueville (1805-59). Tocqueville in India explores the enduring dialogue between the State and Society. Following neither Fukuyama nor Huntingdon, this book should attract the attention of those concerned by Indian issues as well as every reader interested in political philosophy or world affairs.

Contents: Preface. Introduction. Part I: 1.Tocqueville in India. 2. Society v. state. 3. Society as caste, caste as society.4.The unassuming revolution. 5.The State as an Autonomous Actor. Part II: The four corners of India. 6. Tocqueville travels to Bihar. 7. Turmoil in a forward state. 8. Tamilnadu- a nation in the making. 9. Kerala, a society that is “civil”. 10. A mid-journey session. Part III: Politics, power and polity. 11. Yet they vote. 12. Is India a nation? 13. The empire of democracy. 14. Democracy and discrimination. 15. Religions and secularism. 16. The highest good.