Indian Federalism

Harihar Bhattacharyya was formerly Professor of Political Science at the University of Burdwan, West Bengal, India. Previously he taught at Delhi University, the Heidelberg University (South Asia Institute), Hull University (UK) and the Institute of Federalism, Fribourg, where he was a Visiting Research Professor (1998-99) for one year to draft a book on a comparative study of Indian and Swiss federalism. Widely globally travelled, Bhattacharyya also takes part in ethnic conflict resolution and constitution making for transitional states. His recent publications include Asymmetric Federalism in India: Ethnicity, Development and Governance (2022); Federalism in Asia: India, Pakistan, Malaysia, Nepal and Myanmar, 2nd ed. (2021); and Radical Political and Governance in India’s North East: The Case of Tripura (2018). He is also the recipient of the Publius Distinguished Scholar Award (2025).

• Introduction 1. Conceptual issues in comparative federalism 2. Origin and development of federalism in India: Colonialism, nationalism and decolonization 3. Structural dimensions of Indian federalism 4. Centre-state relations in India since the 1900s 5. Fiscal federalism in India and cultural diversity: Role of the finance commission 6. Role of the Supreme Court in Indian federalism 7. Federalism and democracy in India 8. Federalism, centralization and decentralization in India 9. Asymmetries in Indian Federalism 10. Indian federalism and political parties 11. Contentious issues of Indian federalism Conclusion

"This majestic work shows how India's federalism conflates territoriality and ethnicity with self-rule and shared rule. This compact, comprehensive and accessible volume should be on every reading list on federalism".Subrata Mitra, Heidelberg University"This book is an essential guide to the evolution, development and the contemporary challenges of Indian federalism that is sure to become a reference source. Erudite and accessible, it provides a masterful synopsis of the subject that is a must for scholars, students and the general reader."Professor Gurharpal Singh, King's College, London"This wide-ranging textbook covers key institutions making federalism in India work. Its nuanced interpretation of the politics of federalism in India deserves to be widely read".Professor Katharine Adeney, University of Nottingham