Fagstoff

Podcast: The Democracy in India

In this episode of the podcast series Challenges to Democracy, Nicholas Emmanuel Carlie speaks to Kathinka Frøystad about the democracy in India. Frøystad is a social antrophologist and professor of modern South Asia studies.

Illustration. We see a building that has an oval shape. Underneath is a caption that says Parliament of India.

Before you listen to the podcast:

Share:

Work in groups, and share what you know about India.

Drag and drop:

What do you know about India? Drag and drop the correct information into these sentences.

Vocabulary:

Work with a partner. Do you know the words? Look up any words that you are unsure of.

barrister
chalk out
autocracy
multiparty
federal
political spectrum
caste
cacophony

Illustration: Hands holding the globe surrounded by flowers and clouds. Title: Challenges to Democracy.

After you have listened to the podcast:

Discuss:

Work in groups and discuss the questions.

Why do you think the Indian system of government was modelled on the British system of government?
Why do you think equality and religious freedom were so important in the Indian constitution?
What is an autocracy? Is India an autocracy?
What is special about elections in India?
Why is freedom of speech important in a democracy?

Find out more:

Work in pairs. Use any available sources to find out more about two of the following questions. Write your answers in a shared document.

Describe the caste system in India. Is the caste system still significant today?
In the podcast, Kathinka Frøystad mentions that despite the constitution guaranteeing everyone in India equality and religious freedom, Muslims are still discriminated against. Find out more about the situation for Muslims in India.
What limits are there on freedom of expression in India?