Colonialism and Ethnic ViolenceAjay Verghese

Colonialism and Conflict

The Problems

1. What kind of violence existed prior to colonialism?

2. Would violence have occurred despite colonialism?

The Solution

Provinces and Princely States

1. Princely states represent ‘traditional’ India

2. Princes remain largely autonomous during British rule

Research Design

1. 15 months of fieldwork in India

2. 5 Case Studies, 4 controlled comparisons

3. Archival research

4. Elite interviews

5. Statistical analysis

The Argument

Former British provinces experience more contemporary caste and tribal violence whereas former princely states experience more religious conflict.