Social and Behavioral Sciences Commons^™

Evolving Ethnicity In South Asia With Particular Reference To India, Joseph E. Schwartzberg, Robert Stoddard

Department of Geography: Faculty Publications

This presentation considers the various historical processes that have shaped ethnic identities in South Asia, concentrating, because of limitations of time and space, on India and on the postindependence period. It also discusses specific bases for establishing ethnic identities and the periods, situations, and locales in which they assumed importance. It also notes the means by which ethnic groups seek to advance their interests and by which governments respond to such efforts. I shall not, however, strive for completeness -- the topic is simply too vast. Omitted from consideration here is any discussion of ethnic relations in Afghanistan, Sri Lanka, …