First published in 1939, The Problem of Minorities: Or Communal Representation in India by K. B. Krishna, is a seminal exploration of the complex dynamics of communal representation in colonial India. The book delves into the origins, evolution, and implications of British policies that institutionalized communal divisions, particularly between Hindus and Muslims. Divided into five parts, it examines the historical roots of the problem, tracing the emergence of professional, landed, and mercantile classes under British rule and the development of communal representation from 1909 to 1935. Krishna critically analyzes key events like the Minto-Morley Reforms, the Montagu-Chelmsford Reforms, the Communal Award, and the Poona Pact, while drawing parallels with similar policies in Ceylon, Kenya, and Palestine. The book also scrutinizes the socio-political causes of communal riots and the role of British imperialism in exacerbating tensions. A thought-provoking conclusion ties the Indian experience to broader global struggles with communalism and national identity. This is a must read for scholars and researchers of Indian and South Asian history.
Authors Preface Introduction
1. What is the Problem of Minorities in
India?
2. Statement of the Problem Part I - The Origins
1. Introduction: War
of Ideas
2. Schools of Political Thought with Reference to British Policy in
India
3. Organization of British Policy: The Emergence of the Professional
Classes
4. The Classes of Princes, Rajahs, and Maharajas
5. The Class of
Landed Magnets
6. The Class of Privileged Tenants
7. Indian Mercantile Class
8. The Genesis of British Policy of Counterpoise and Concession
9. Basis of
British Policy of Counterpoise and Coercion
10. Minto and the Objective
Elements of the Situation
11. Minto and the Subjective Elements of the
Situation
12. Mintos Anxiety to Show that the Idea of Reforms Originated
with Him and in India
13. Mintos Contribution to the Politics of India
14.
Morleys Share in the Initiation of Concessions
15. The Growth of the Moslem
Professional Classes
16. The Extension of the Principle of Representation of
Communities, Interests, and Classes to Moselms
17. Reasons Which Induced
Minto to Extend the Principle of Communities, Classes, and Interests to
Moselms
18. Role of Gokale in the Extension of the Principle to Moslems
19.
Critique of the Principle of Representation of Communities, Classes, and
Interests
20. Summary Part II: History of the Idea of Communal
Representation, 1909- 1935
1. Organization of the Professional Classes 1905-
1909
2. Organization of the Commercial and Industrialist Classes, 1914- 1919
3. Further History of Communal Representation
4. Role of Montagu in the
Extension of the Idea of Communal Representation
5. Class Struggles
6.
Further History of the Idea of Communal Representation
7. The Round Table
Conference
8. Role of MacDonald: Communal Award, Poona Pact, White Paper,
Joint Committee Report, New Constitution Bill for India
9. Summary Part III:
Parallels in the Empire
1. Communal Representation in Ceylon
2. Communal
Representation in Kenya
3. Counterpoise, Conversion, and Class Struggles in
Palestine Part IV: An Estimate of the Hindu Muslim Problem
1. Introduction
2.
The Mopla Rebellion, 1921
3. The Bombay Riots
4. The Cawnpore Riots
5. The
Role of the Officials in the Furtherance of Communal Tensions
6. Theories
Concerning the Causes of Riots
7. Religion and Economics
8. Summary Part V:
The Present Phase
1. Summary of the Arguments for and Against Communal
Representation
2. Political Characteristics of British Imperialism
3. The
Development of the Opposing Forces
4. The Present Phase of the Problem
5. The
National Question in USSR: Conclusion
Lisainfo e-raamatute kohta