Overview of the Book

The book presents debates around the concept of representation and how these ideas apply to representation for selected disadvantaged groups in India. It discusses empirical concerns and examines political representation of these disadvantaged groups in post-independence India.

Political Representation of Disadvantaged Groups

The experience of political representation of Scheduled Castes (SCs) and Scheduled Tribes (STs): the method of election, role of political parties in providing representation, role played by these groups in parliamentary institutions, and the extent of their participation.

Representation of the Muslim Minority

A second, significant area the volume attempts to cover is representation of the Muslim minority in parliament and state assemblies and understanding the reasons for their under-representation since independence, and more particularly in recent years.