A History of Social Justice in India: An Overview

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Authors

  • Sudhir Kumar Nirala Centre For Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, India Author

Keywords:

Reservation Policie, Social Justice, India, Gandhi-Ambedkar Pact, Scheduled Castes, Scheduled Tribes, Other Backward Classes, Constitutional Provisions, Regional Variation

Abstract

India has implemented one of the most comprehensive affirmative action policies in the world, with roots that can be traced back to the colonial era. The historical trajectory of reservation policies in India, including the Gandhi–Ambedkar Pact, the provisions enshrined in the Indian Constitution, and the recommendations of various commissions such as the Kaka Kalelkar Commission and the Mandal Commission, has been pivotal in shaping the discourse on social justice. This paper examines the evolution of reservation policies from pre-independence to post-independence India, highlighting the significant role of commissions in identifying and addressing the needs of socially and educationally backward communities. The paper also explores the divergent approaches of different states like Mysore, Tamil Nadu, Kerala, Gujarat, and Bihar towards affirmative action and social justice, illustrating the regional variations in the implementation of reservation policies. By analyzing these diverse trajectories, the paper sheds light on the complexities of affirmative action in India and its impact on social, economic, and educational opportunities for marginalized groups.

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Author Biography

  • Sudhir Kumar Nirala, Centre For Historical Studies, Jawaharlal Nehru University, Delhi, India

    Sudhir Kumar Nirala is a PhD research scholar at the Centre for Historical Studies (CHS) within Jawaharlal Nehru University (JNU), New Delhi, India. His academic work specializes in modern Indian history, with a strong focus on affirmative action, affirmative policy trajectories, and the history of social justice in India. Through his research, he analyzes the evolution of reservation frameworks from the colonial era to post-independence India, evaluating the regional impacts and contributions of constitutional commissions on marginalized communities

    Competing Interests:

    The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article.

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Published

2025-03-07

Data Availability Statement

Sources are cited.

Supporting Agencies

Not Applicable

Competing Interests

The author declares that there are no conflicts of interest regarding the publication of this article.

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How to Cite

Nirala, S. K. (2025). A History of Social Justice in India: An Overview. Synergy: International Journal of Multidisciplinary Studies, 2(1), 78-83. https://doi.org/10.63960/synergyint.j.multidiscip.stud..v2i1.41

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