Rekha Chowdhary | University of Jammu, Jammu, Jammu and Kashmir, India (original) (raw)
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Books by Rekha Chowdhary
Social Diversity and Political Divergence in Jammu and Kashmir part 1 , 2024
These two chapters revolve around Social diversity and multiple political identities in Jammu and... more These two chapters revolve around Social diversity and multiple political identities in Jammu and Kashmir
Social Diversity and Political Divergence in Jammu and Kashmir , 2023
Recently published book on Separatism in Kashmir Published by Taylor and Frances (Routledge) Gl... more Recently published book on Separatism in Kashmir
Published by Taylor and Frances (Routledge)
Global edition October 2015
Papers by Rekha Chowdhary
Economic and Political Weekly , 2023
In just three and a half yearsafter the formation of the union territory, the political class of ... more In just three and a half yearsafter the formation of the union territory, the political class of Ladakh has given a new direction to its identity politics. From being fragmented on subregional and sectarian lines, it has become inclusive and seeks to represent the whole of Ladakh. The framing of demands has also taken a pronounced federal turn.
Chapter in Women in State Politics in India: Missing the Corridors of Power by Pam Rajput and Usha Thakkar, 2023
This chapter discusses gender in the context of politics in Jammu and Kashmir from various angles... more This chapter discusses gender in the context of politics in Jammu and Kashmir from various angles to understand how women are located in this state-turned-into-Union Territory. Going into the details related to the space that women occupy in the whole range of politics – electoral politics, protest politics, and conflict politics – it analyzes how the gender question has been dealt with and points out the ways in which patriarchy intervenes in women's political roles. It refers to various paradoxes related to women and politics. Despite the fact that women are highly mobilized and highly politically aware, there is a clear-cut gender role division in conflict politics which clearly remains male dominated. Besides presenting the details about women in formal politics and analysing their leadership role in this politics, the chapter also elaborates on women's role in the separatist politics of Kashmir and agitational politics in the Jammu region.
The Wire , 2023
About changing nature of Ladakh's politics after being granted UT Status. Not only demands being ... more About changing nature of Ladakh's politics after being granted UT Status. Not only demands being raised for constitutional protection under the Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution but Leh and Kargil leadership coming together in an unprecedented manner
Economic and Political Weekly, 2010
Signs of simmering discontent have been visible in Kashmir since early 2007 after a series of civ... more Signs of simmering discontent have been visible in Kashmir since early 2007 after a series of civilian killings in fake encounters by security forces and in the Amarnath land row agitation of 2008. Contrary to what New Delhi may have been led to believe, separatist politics has acquired a more intense and aggressive form in the Valley by the participation of youth. Exploring the manner in which assertions of separatist politics have changed since 1989-90, this article argues that separatism is now driven by street responses of the youth and is witnessing a shrinking space for moderation.
Economic and Political Weekly , 2022
The violence against minority communities in Kashmir requires a multipronged solution.
Foreword by Manoranjan Mohanty. Introduction Part 1: Conflict in Kashmir: Background Factors 1. I... more Foreword by Manoranjan Mohanty. Introduction Part 1: Conflict in Kashmir: Background Factors 1. Identity Politics of Kashmir 2. Background to Armed Militancy and Separatism: Failure of Democratic Politics in Kashmir 3. Federal Logic, Nationalism and Kashmir Conflict 4. Political Economy of Kashmiri Identity Politics Part 2: Militancy and the Politics of Separatism 5. Separatist Space and Politics of Separatism before 1989 6. Militancy and Separatism 7. Democracy in the Context of Separatism Part III: Locating Conflict in Kashmir within the larger context of J&K 8. Beyond Kashmir: Social Diversity and Political Divergence in Jammu & Kashmir 9. Jammu as a Factor in Kashmir Conflict 10. Multiple Dimensions of Conflict Part 4: Conflict Resolution 11. Peace Process. Postscript
The Outlook , 2022
The Article refers to the shrinking democratic space in Kashmir and the impact it has on mainstre... more The Article refers to the shrinking democratic space in Kashmir and the impact it has on mainstream parties. The mainstream parties, the paper argues are meanwhile adopting pragmatic approach to maintain their continued relevance
Studies in Indian Politics, 2015
The 2014 assembly elections in conflict-ridden Jammu and Kashmir state was in news not only for t... more The 2014 assembly elections in conflict-ridden Jammu and Kashmir state was in news not only for the massive participation of people but also for the unprecedented performance of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its subsequent sharing of power with ideologically opposite People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This election forms a very important moment in the politics of the state which can help us comprehend the intricacies of internal politics of the state in the twofold context of separatism on the one hand, and regional political divergence on the other. This article seeks to focus on the changing nature of party politics in the last one-and-a-half decades and understand its implications in both the contexts. After analyzing the background context, especially separatism in the last two-and-a-half decades and regionalism within the state, the article goes on to analyze the outcome of the result and debate the concerns and challenges thrown up by the realignment of the political forces.
South Asia Multidisciplinary Academic Journal, 2009
Economic and political weekly
The transformation of the role of the National Conference (NC) from a hegemonic actor to the sing... more The transformation of the role of the National Conference (NC) from a hegemonic actor to the single largest party of the state has to be located in the larger political context of the state in the last 15 years. This political context, defined by the contestation of legitimacy of mainstream politics on the one hand and the situation of armed militancy and separatism on the other had constricted the very nature of democratic politics. The relevance of the NC today extends beyond competitive regional politics. Its claim as the initiator of the tradition of the political movement in Kashmir and its contribution to the evolution of Kashmiri identity politics, assume importance in the contemporary situation of the state.
Electoral Politics in Post-Congress Polity, 2014
Shared Sacred Spaces: Sufi Shrines in Jammu Region
The paper locates the Sufi shrines of Jammu region in the larger context of the plural society an... more The paper locates the Sufi shrines of Jammu region in the larger context of the plural society and its multi-layered diversity on the one hand and the context of the conflict situation in Jammu and Kashmir, on the other. It makes an important point about the shrines being integral to Jammu's culture and society. Drawing on the history of Jammu region, it links the role of state patronage to the popularity of the shrines among the common people. The paper seeks to examine the shrines in the context of their ambivalent and fuzzy nature. It therefore, emphasises their role in subverting the rigid religious binaries and creating shared sacred space for people of different faiths.
Outlook Magazine , 2022
Paper compares the Ladakh Movement for UT with post UT politics. It argues that the demand for UT... more Paper compares the Ladakh Movement for UT with post UT politics. It argues that the demand for UT till 2019 was not for empowerment on Federal Basis but was more linked to the urge for Centralisation. It is only after becoming the UT that the Ladakh Movement politics has taken a federal turn
Social Diversity and Political Divergence in Jammu and Kashmir part 1 , 2024
These two chapters revolve around Social diversity and multiple political identities in Jammu and... more These two chapters revolve around Social diversity and multiple political identities in Jammu and Kashmir
Social Diversity and Political Divergence in Jammu and Kashmir , 2023
Recently published book on Separatism in Kashmir Published by Taylor and Frances (Routledge) Gl... more Recently published book on Separatism in Kashmir
Published by Taylor and Frances (Routledge)
Global edition October 2015
Economic and Political Weekly , 2023
In just three and a half yearsafter the formation of the union territory, the political class of ... more In just three and a half yearsafter the formation of the union territory, the political class of Ladakh has given a new direction to its identity politics. From being fragmented on subregional and sectarian lines, it has become inclusive and seeks to represent the whole of Ladakh. The framing of demands has also taken a pronounced federal turn.
Chapter in Women in State Politics in India: Missing the Corridors of Power by Pam Rajput and Usha Thakkar, 2023
This chapter discusses gender in the context of politics in Jammu and Kashmir from various angles... more This chapter discusses gender in the context of politics in Jammu and Kashmir from various angles to understand how women are located in this state-turned-into-Union Territory. Going into the details related to the space that women occupy in the whole range of politics – electoral politics, protest politics, and conflict politics – it analyzes how the gender question has been dealt with and points out the ways in which patriarchy intervenes in women's political roles. It refers to various paradoxes related to women and politics. Despite the fact that women are highly mobilized and highly politically aware, there is a clear-cut gender role division in conflict politics which clearly remains male dominated. Besides presenting the details about women in formal politics and analysing their leadership role in this politics, the chapter also elaborates on women's role in the separatist politics of Kashmir and agitational politics in the Jammu region.
The Wire , 2023
About changing nature of Ladakh's politics after being granted UT Status. Not only demands being ... more About changing nature of Ladakh's politics after being granted UT Status. Not only demands being raised for constitutional protection under the Sixth Schedule of Indian Constitution but Leh and Kargil leadership coming together in an unprecedented manner
Economic and Political Weekly, 2010
Signs of simmering discontent have been visible in Kashmir since early 2007 after a series of civ... more Signs of simmering discontent have been visible in Kashmir since early 2007 after a series of civilian killings in fake encounters by security forces and in the Amarnath land row agitation of 2008. Contrary to what New Delhi may have been led to believe, separatist politics has acquired a more intense and aggressive form in the Valley by the participation of youth. Exploring the manner in which assertions of separatist politics have changed since 1989-90, this article argues that separatism is now driven by street responses of the youth and is witnessing a shrinking space for moderation.
Economic and Political Weekly , 2022
The violence against minority communities in Kashmir requires a multipronged solution.
Foreword by Manoranjan Mohanty. Introduction Part 1: Conflict in Kashmir: Background Factors 1. I... more Foreword by Manoranjan Mohanty. Introduction Part 1: Conflict in Kashmir: Background Factors 1. Identity Politics of Kashmir 2. Background to Armed Militancy and Separatism: Failure of Democratic Politics in Kashmir 3. Federal Logic, Nationalism and Kashmir Conflict 4. Political Economy of Kashmiri Identity Politics Part 2: Militancy and the Politics of Separatism 5. Separatist Space and Politics of Separatism before 1989 6. Militancy and Separatism 7. Democracy in the Context of Separatism Part III: Locating Conflict in Kashmir within the larger context of J&K 8. Beyond Kashmir: Social Diversity and Political Divergence in Jammu & Kashmir 9. Jammu as a Factor in Kashmir Conflict 10. Multiple Dimensions of Conflict Part 4: Conflict Resolution 11. Peace Process. Postscript
The Outlook , 2022
The Article refers to the shrinking democratic space in Kashmir and the impact it has on mainstre... more The Article refers to the shrinking democratic space in Kashmir and the impact it has on mainstream parties. The mainstream parties, the paper argues are meanwhile adopting pragmatic approach to maintain their continued relevance
Studies in Indian Politics, 2015
The 2014 assembly elections in conflict-ridden Jammu and Kashmir state was in news not only for t... more The 2014 assembly elections in conflict-ridden Jammu and Kashmir state was in news not only for the massive participation of people but also for the unprecedented performance of Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP) and its subsequent sharing of power with ideologically opposite People’s Democratic Party (PDP). This election forms a very important moment in the politics of the state which can help us comprehend the intricacies of internal politics of the state in the twofold context of separatism on the one hand, and regional political divergence on the other. This article seeks to focus on the changing nature of party politics in the last one-and-a-half decades and understand its implications in both the contexts. After analyzing the background context, especially separatism in the last two-and-a-half decades and regionalism within the state, the article goes on to analyze the outcome of the result and debate the concerns and challenges thrown up by the realignment of the political forces.
South Asia Multidisciplinary Academic Journal, 2009
Economic and political weekly
The transformation of the role of the National Conference (NC) from a hegemonic actor to the sing... more The transformation of the role of the National Conference (NC) from a hegemonic actor to the single largest party of the state has to be located in the larger political context of the state in the last 15 years. This political context, defined by the contestation of legitimacy of mainstream politics on the one hand and the situation of armed militancy and separatism on the other had constricted the very nature of democratic politics. The relevance of the NC today extends beyond competitive regional politics. Its claim as the initiator of the tradition of the political movement in Kashmir and its contribution to the evolution of Kashmiri identity politics, assume importance in the contemporary situation of the state.
Electoral Politics in Post-Congress Polity, 2014
Shared Sacred Spaces: Sufi Shrines in Jammu Region
The paper locates the Sufi shrines of Jammu region in the larger context of the plural society an... more The paper locates the Sufi shrines of Jammu region in the larger context of the plural society and its multi-layered diversity on the one hand and the context of the conflict situation in Jammu and Kashmir, on the other. It makes an important point about the shrines being integral to Jammu's culture and society. Drawing on the history of Jammu region, it links the role of state patronage to the popularity of the shrines among the common people. The paper seeks to examine the shrines in the context of their ambivalent and fuzzy nature. It therefore, emphasises their role in subverting the rigid religious binaries and creating shared sacred space for people of different faiths.
Outlook Magazine , 2022
Paper compares the Ladakh Movement for UT with post UT politics. It argues that the demand for UT... more Paper compares the Ladakh Movement for UT with post UT politics. It argues that the demand for UT till 2019 was not for empowerment on Federal Basis but was more linked to the urge for Centralisation. It is only after becoming the UT that the Ladakh Movement politics has taken a federal turn
Economic and Political Weekly, 1999
Kashmiri identity politics has played an important role in defining the context of conflict in Ja... more Kashmiri identity politics has played an important role in defining the context of conflict in Jammu and Kashmir. This state has been in conflict ever since 1947, both externally and internally. While the external dimensions have been characterized by Pakistan’s contestation of the state’s accession with India and the resultant hostility between India and Pakistan, the internal dimension of conflict has been driven by the response of Kashmiris toward the Indian state. This response is defined by identity politics, the contours of which evolved in the pre-accession period. Kashmiri identity politics, however, has not remained static. It is quite dynamic and has shifted in nature depending on the context and situation in which Kashmiris have found themselves at different times.
Contemporary political situation in Jammu and Kashmir is well understood by the electoral politic... more Contemporary political situation in Jammu and Kashmir is well understood by the electoral politics of the state since the assembly elections of 1983. This politics of the state is first an analysis of Kashmir's politics with reference to its situation of mititancy and alienation. This analysis of Kashmir's politics is spread over three phases. The first phase between I983 and I987 is the period setting the base for alienation, political upsurge and militancy. The second phase between l9B7 and I996 is the period of political crisis. The third phase between 1996 and 2002 is the period of restoration of the political process. Secondly, it is the analysis of the potitics of Jammu and Ladakhwith reference to widely prevailing interregional and sub-regional discontent. This deals with electoral politics of both these regions in the context of assertion of multiple identities operating both at the regional and sub-regional level. Finally, the significant shift that has taken place ...
