Ethnicity and Modernisation: the Indian Subcontinent

The paper analyses the effects of modernisation processes on the development of ethnicity and interethnic relations in the context of modern states on the Indian subcontinent, perhaps one of the most complex areas of interethnic interaction in the world. First, it presents a schematic overview of the ethnic groups in the individual countries, indicating in part their similarities and also differences in view of their development, structural and spatial dimensions as well as significance in regard to interethnic relations. Proceeding from the assumption that modern ethnicity is primarily a political phenomenon, the text links the new phenomenon of ethnic revival in the countries of the Indian sub-continent with attempts to affirm religious and regional, or else ethnic aspects in opposition to the project of modernisation and development of a new form of homogenised society, and also in opposition to internal colonialism, which often accompanies the national policies of new states (e.g. the creation of Bangladesh and the domination of the Sinhalese majority on Sri Lanka). The paper likewise indicates the basic traits of former British colonial government in the Subcontinent, which are important in order to gain an understanding of present ethnic phenomena and processes in the region. By analysing the interconnection between ethnic mobilisation, the strategic location of ethnic communities and especially their relations with central authorities, the author examines the character of ruling elite policies in the new states, aimed at creating new nation-states, i.e. the major modernisation project, by integrating Pakistan and Sri Lanka, or more pluralistic India, as well as the effect of such policies on the nature of ethnic relations in the mentioned countries