The Problem of Change: A Study of North-East India

by Balmiki Prasad Singh

Before the introduction of modern political and administrative institutions after 1947, Northeast India led a comparatively cloistered existence. The steps taken toward "development" during the last forty years have radically altered the economic, social, and political organization of the region and made it one of the most disturbed and politically volatile in all of India. This book analyzes the problems and prospects for change in the Northeast in light of its complex history.

Genres: India

244 pages, Paperback

First published September 26, 1996

Reviews

[Kaustubh Kirti · Rating 3 out of 5]

The book is an elaborate account from the point of view as an administrator of the nuances of the North East of India. Though the book is bounded till the 1980s much of the starting challenges and key stakeholders have been discussed. The best thing about the book is that the author tries to weave the story based on his personal experiences or direct quotes from scholars and leaders like Elgin and Nehru who had talked extensively about the assimilation of the North Eastern part of India.

North East though comprising nearly 20-25% of Indian land mass is not contiguous to mainland states party because of the British system of boundaries and partly due to partition. However its importance has never been undermined. Even today the insurgency exists and that is one of basic reason why this book is an excellent account of the broad contours of the North East. On a global level the book talks from a historical perspective and the development and institutionalization of the British Empire and the final transfer in 1947 which has shaped the polity, administration and the culture of North East.