Kothari's work made several significant contributions to the study of Indian politics:
On one hand, . Electoral competition, party formation, and political mobilization have all found fertile ground in existing caste solidarities. Political parties systematically seek caste support to win elections, and candidates are often nominated with careful attention to the caste composition of constituencies. The political system has, in effect, turned caste into a "unit of political mobilisation". Rajni Kothari Caste In Indian Politics 15.pdf
The most significant argument Kothari makes is that caste did not enter politics as a "traditional" remnant holding the country back. Instead, Kothari's work made several significant contributions to the
Jaffrelot, C. (2003). India's Democracy: An Anatomy of Indian Social Order. Delhi: Permanent Black. The political system has, in effect, turned caste
This study focuses on the political rivalry between two dominant agrarian castes of Andhra Pradesh—the Reddis and Kammas . It explores how caste identities often manifest as political factions, creating a deeply competitive and factionalized political landscape.
This article reconstructs the core arguments from Page 15 (or Chapter 15) of Kothari’s framework, explaining how he revolutionized the understanding of caste—not as a dying feudal relic, but as a dynamic, adaptive force at the heart of Indian democracy.
“Caste has become a political category — not a ritual one.” “The politicization of caste has in fact strengthened democracy by giving voice to previously silenced groups.” “India’s party system is a system of caste-based negotiations, not ideology.”