India, political development and legitimacy: a modern state in a traditional society

Abstract

The conventional theoretical and analytical debate surrounding Third World development emphasizes economic development within the interaction of First and Third World. This thesis takes a different approach, not arguing about the correctness or falseness of these approaches, but concentrating on the historical inheritance of political and social values which influence a society. This concept within India highlights the limitation on both economic and political development through traditional fragmentation. This persistence of tradition, such as religion, caste organization, etc., was characterized by persisting traditional forms of political legitimacy. The theoretical concept of political legitimacy serves as analytical tool to examine, how the traditional values persisted in Indian society, and why these values were obstacles to a modern political structure, and therefore hindered adequate political and economic development