Doctoral Dissertation Research: Religious Nationalism and Urban Space in Western India (1969-2002)

Columbia University, New York NY

Investigators

Abstract

This dissertation investigates how communal riots in Ahmedabad, India, have created homogeneous ethnic neighborhoods where mixed neighborhoods previously existed. The research will use geographical information systems to track the city's major religious processions and riots. Archival records (e.g., government inquiries, newspapers) will be examined to analyze the state's changing position on riots and processions. Finally, semi-structured interviews with local leaders and residents living near the major procession route will be used to analyze the mechanisms that link the processions and communal violence with the creation of ethnically homogeneous neighborhoods.