Toward a Jati Mode for Indian Politics-A Comment


Toward a ' Jati Mode' for Indian Politics A Comment Hira Singh HAROLD A Gould's paper 'Toward a 'Jati Model' for Indian Politics" February 1, 1969) is bound to catch attention. It is interesting and stimulating. It has been written in a scientific style by a scientist who can legitimately claim familiarity with Indian society and culture. The paper represents a convenient combination of logic and facts collected through field- work in India at different times from 1954 to 1967. Gould stands out relatively alone for his bold attempt to formulate a model for politics in India. But the model he presents deserves critical examination, for it fails to satisfy its rather ambitious claim. It suffers from innumerable weaknesses, both logical and factual. The following are some of the more prominent errors committed by Gould in formulating his model: