Contemporary India

The University of Melbourne via Coursera

Go to Course: https://www.coursera.org/learn/india

Introduction

### Course Review: Contemporary India on Coursera As someone interested in global studies and diverse cultures, I was excited to explore the "Contemporary India" course offered on Coursera. This course, presented by knowledgeable experts, promises an in-depth examination of India's complexities following its independence in 1947. It provides students with essential insights into the social, political, and economic shifts that have shaped modern India while connecting them to its rich heritage. #### Course Overview The course is structured to navigate through critical themes that encapsulate India's multifaceted identity. Each week tackles a unique aspect, from its tumultuous history to its dynamic economic landscape, political evolution, cultural narratives, and contemporary issues. The course aims not only to educate but also to provoke thought about the continuing impact of historical events and cultural texts on contemporary society. #### Syllabus Highlights 1. **Contemporary India's History**: This initial section sets the stage by discussing pre-partition India and the lingering effects of partition. Students gain an appreciation of the trauma and community relations shaped by this pivotal moment in history. 2. **Indian Politics (1948-2014)**: By focusing on post-independence politics, the course delves into the contributions of figures like Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi. It also highlights the India’s ongoing democratic challenges, providing context for the present-day political landscape. 3. **The Long Transition of India's Economy**: This segment addresses the shift from a state-led to a market-driven economy, focusing on major reforms post-1991. It balances economic theory with real-life implications, addressing topics such as poverty and job creation. 4. **India's Foreign Policy**: The course examines India’s positioning in global politics, highlighting its relations with neighbors and major powers. It provides a comprehensive overview of its nuclear policy and ideological foundations since independence. 5. **Women, Gender, and Feminist Struggles**: This insightful module examines gender dynamics within India, tackling deep-rooted issues like violence, representation, and the fight for the rights of sexual minorities. It sheds light on the ongoing feminist struggles in the country. 6. **The Ramayana**: Students explore the ancient epic's significance and contemporary interpretations, offering a fascinating look at how traditions evolve within Indian culture and society. 7. **Traditional Art Forms in Today's India**: The final section uses art as a lens to investigate India's modern transformations. It emphasizes the interplay of tradition and modernity, challenging students to see continuity in the evolution of cultural practices. #### Review and Recommendations Upon completing the course, it is evident that "Contemporary India" is a rich resource for anyone drawn to Indian studies, sociology, political science, and cultural history. The content is meticulously structured, making complex themes accessible and compelling. Each module is well-researched, and the inclusion of various perspectives deepens understanding. What sets this course apart is its holistic approach; it doesn’t merely focus on dates and events but encourages students to think critically about the implications of historical narratives and cultural practices. The use of multimedia resources, including documentaries, discussions, and readings, enhances engagement and fosters an interactive learning environment. For anyone seeking to grasp the current societal dynamics of India while understanding its historical foundations, I wholeheartedly recommend "Contemporary India" on Coursera. Whether you are a student, a policy enthusiast, or simply someone interested in global cultures, this course will equip you with knowledge that is relevant, impactful, and thought-provoking. In summary, this course not only serves as an academic exploration but also as a catalyst for deeper conversations about identity, power, and justice in contemporary India. Enroll now and embark on a journey through one of the world’s most vibrant and complex societies!

Syllabus

Contemporary India's history

We begin this course by discussing the history of pre-partition India i.e. before 1947. We will trace the trajectory of British rule from its inception in India and discuss important events like the mutiny of 1857, the formation of the Indian National Congress and the Muslim League, the divide and rule policy of the British, the idea of separate electorates and how it paved the way for partition in the subcontinent. You will be able to appreciate the devastation that partition brought to the region with millions of people killed, displaced and made refugees overnight. We will try to impress upon the fact that such a momentous event in world history, which involved ethnic cleansing in huge numbers, has been almost forgotten or is not remembered often enough; nor are the lessons learnt. The week concludes by discussing how partition still continues to affect community relations, relations between states and the very foundational ideas of the two nations: India and Pakistan.

Indian politics 1948-2014

This week we will cover the post-independence politics of India from 1948 to 2014. It will discuss the various leaders especially the contribution of Jawaharlal Nehru and Indira Gandhi to Indian polity. You will get an idea about how India went about its task of nation building and the various challenges it confronted along the way. The section will also cover the dominance of the Congress party and the factors that led to its downfall in recent times. The debates about linguistic states, affirmative action, secularism and the changing nature of Indian federalism will be discussed. You should be able to appreciate the reasons as to why, even with all its shortcomings, India remains an exemplar of robust democracy unlike most other post-colonial countries.

The long transition of India's economy

This section will look at the trajectory of India's economic development. It has changed from a state-led economic development model to the one where through a series of a reforms the economy has become more pro-business and market-friendly. You will be introduced to the basic features of first and second-generation reforms, the transformation of the economy since India liberalized in 1991 and the challenges of poverty and job creation that still needs to be tackled.

India's foreign policy

As India's influence increases in the international system, understanding its foreign policy and its engagement with the rest of the world is critical for students of international relations. This section is designed as a comprehensive review of some of the key issues related to India's word view and its behaviour towards the external world. Apart from taking stock of contemporary thinking and policies of the country, the major thrust would be on India's relations with its neighbours and great powers, its nuclear weapons policy and the ideological foundations of its foreign policy after independence.

Women, gender and feminist struggles in India

This week you will be introduced to some of the concerns related to women and the politics of gender in contemporary India. The section will also focus on some of the key issues related to feminist struggle over the last three decades. Not only will it touch upon the achievements of these struggles but also deal with issues related to missing women, low sex-ratio of women compared to men in India, violence against women, the demand for representation in legislative bodes and the struggle for the rights of sexual minorities. The theme of gender justice and how it is articulated in various forums will also form an important part of this section.

The Ramayan

This week we will discuss one of India's ancient epics - The Ramayana. Here you will not just be introduced to the text but the various Ramayana traditions, which include a wide range of performance traditions, be it in folk theatre, women's Ramayana songs or shadow puppetry. At the core of these traditions is the idea of morality or dharma, which continues to find resonance in contemporary India even though it was written around 500BC. Because there are innumerable interpretations of the Ramayana, often the sacred becomes the source of controversy. But these disagreements often reinforce the relevance of the epic in the daily lives of Indian society.

The past in the present: traditional art forms in today's India

We will use arts as a lens to look at some of the general transformations in today’s India. The focus in this section will be to negate the modernity/tradition dichotomy and instead argue that traditions in India are constantly changing. These traditions adapt to the prevailing conditions, which present its own complexities. To understand them, specific concepts and tools will be introduced to better explain the realities of contemporary India, which simultaneously remains connected to its ancient past.