Glossary of Indian Politics

Advani, Lal Krishna (1927-), Deputy PM of India, Union Cabinet Minister, Home Affairs. A hard-line Hindu leader of BJP. Accused of raising the emotions on the issue of Ayodhya.

AICC All India Congress Committee. The apex body of the Congress party.

AIIMS See All India Institute of Medical Sciences.

AIR All India Radio

All India Institute of Medical Sciences India’s premier public hospital situated in Delhi.

Ambedkar, Bhimrao Ramji (1891-1956), chiefly responsible for drafting of the Constitution of India and a champion of human rights. Honoured with the highest national honour, ‘Bharat Ratna’ in 1990. Started a social movement for the Dalit castes with the slogan of ‘Educate-Agitate-Organise’, aimed at annihilation of caste and the reconstruction of Indian society on the basis of equality of human beings.

Ayodhya A town in Uttar Pradesh. Believed to be the birthplace of Lord Rama. Holds the site of the Babri Mosque.

Babri Mosque A mosque at Ayodhya. Believed to have been built by Babar, the first Mughal emperor of Indiain 16th cent. Demolished on 6th Dec 1992 through mob action of Hindutva suppoters.

Bahujan Samaj Party A political party representing the oppressed castes and claiming to follow the ideology of Ambedkar. Established in the 1980s, largely based in UP. The symbol of the party is an elephant. First President: Kanshi Ram. Present President: Mayawati.

Baniya Trader community, the lowest among the upper caste in Indian caste hierarchy.

Begar Forced labour, often without any re-numeration.

Bhajan Hymn, Hindu devotional song

Bhakta Devotee

Bhartiya Jan Sangh See Jan Sangh.

Bhartiya Janata Party A political party, originated from the RSS. Formed in 1980. The biggest partner in the present ruling coalition. President: Venkiah Naidu. (See BJS too)

Bhave, Vinoba Leader of the Sarvodaya (Rise of All) Movement. Launched the Bhoodan Movement. Active initiating element of the JP-movement and ongoing activities for ‘Gram Swaraj’ (Village Self-Rule).

Bhoodan Yajna Movement Launched in the 1950’s by Vinoba Bhave to motivate landlords to voluntarily give land to be redistributed to the landless. Large tracts were handed over.

BJP See Bhartiya Janata Party.

BJS Bhartiya Jan Sangh, see Jan Sangh.

Bollywood The Indian (Hindi) film industry centered in and around Mumbai (Bombay).

Brahman Priestly class, highest in the Indian caste hierarchy.

BSP See Bahujan Samaj Party.

Busti Slum

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