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AbstractThis paper explores the institution of caste and its operation in a micro-level village setting of West Bengal, an Indian state, where state politics at grass roots level is vibrant with functioning local self-government and entrenched political parties. This ethnographic study reveals that caste relations and caste identities have overarching dimensions in the day-to-day politics of the study villages. Though caste almost ceases to operate in relation to strict religious strictures, under economic compulsion the division of labour largely coincides with caste division. In the cultural–ideological field, the concept of caste-hierarchy seems to continue as an influencing factor, even in the operation of leftist politics.

Bangladesh and the Indian state of West Bengal share many characteristics, including a common language, fertile land, abundant rainfall, year-round warmth, and a dense population. This book examines the progress made in crucial economic sectors that have paved the way for the development of Bangladesh and West Bengal. The book begins by describing how Bangladesh is moving toward achieving the status of a middle-income nation, and how West Bengal seems to have fallen into the trap of developmental experiments with different political ideologies over time. The book then compares the trajectory of development in various economic sectors of the two economies. In doing so, it covers social development, education, health care, food habits, cinema and theatre, and the entrepreneurship of both entities. The chapters take an empirical and descriptive approach to address various issues, analyse results, draw conclusions, and make policy suggestions. Arindam Banik is the Associated Cement Companies Chair Professor of International Finance and Business at the International Management Institute, Delhi, India. He holds a Ph.D. from the Delhi School of Economics, University of Delhi, Delhi, India. Munim Kumar Barai is Professor of Finance at Ritsumeikan Asia Pacific University, Japan. He holds a Ph.D. Degree from the Delhi School of Economics, India. He is a Fulbright Scholar.