OCAS 3070 - Religion and Politics in India and Pakistan

***UPDATED for 2026/27***

To analyse the politics of ethno-religious identity in India and Pakistan allows students of South Asia to learn from comparisons – in terms of contrasts and similarities. In both countries forms of religious majoritarianism have developed at the expense of minority groups but differences remain. Studying these countries’ trajectories since 1947, we will show that in both cases secular forces – more resilient in India than in Pakistan till recently – were challenged by ideologues and ethno-religious movements which crisscrossed society rather effectively. While parties exploiting religion in politics played a major role in the rise of majoritarianisms, in Pakistan the army contributed to this process by supporting jihadi groups. In India, Hindutva flourished much later thanks to Narendra Modi, a phenomenon that we will study in detail.

LEARNING OUTCOMES

• The making of ethno-religious identities and their mechanisms
• The characters of islamo-nationalism and Hindu nationalism
• The trajectory of India and Pakistan since 1947 in terms of identity politics
• The geopolitical context of South Asia (including Afghanistan)
• Skills: how to analyse the political use of religion?

PROFESSIONAL SKILLS

To work in/with South Asia, to know the role that religion plays in society and politics is very important.

Feedback regarding the final essay will take place during office hours or virtually.

The module is examined by a 3,000 word final coursework essay (100%). Students will be will also be asked to submit an (unassessed) essay plan (up to 800 words) for feedback in mid-term.

• In Class Presence: 2 hours a week / 24 hours a semester
• Reading and Preparation for Class: 5 hour a week / 60 hours a semester
• Research and Writing for Individual Assessments: 5 hours a week / 60 hours a semester