Why India Votes?

Attempting a national picture of the Indian electorate, this book is based on a comprehensive and comparative ethnographic exploration conducted across India to probe and explain the motivations of ordinary voters. Examining in detail what people think about politicians, the electoral process, democracy and their own role within it, it marks an innovation in anthropological research.

Mukulika Banerjee is Associate Professor, Department of Anthropology, and Director of the South Asia Centre, London School of Economics and Political Science.

Glossary . Foreword Jonathan Spencer. Acknowledgements 1. Introduction 2. The Campaign 3. Political Language 4. The Polling Station 5. Why Do People Vote? 6. Conclusion. Appendices . Bibliography . About the Author. Index