Democracy in India and the Paradox of Uneven Performance: Structural, Institutional, and Socio-Political Determinants of Democratic Consolidation The Indian experiment with democracy has often been described as a paradox. At independence in 1947, India was widely considered an unlikely candidate for a stable democratic order. A deeply divided society, widespread poverty, and low levels of … Continue reading Despite inheriting the institutional advantages of a professional civil service and a well-organized political party system at independence, Indian democracy has often been critiqued for its uneven and dismal performance. What structural, institutional, and socio-political factors account for this paradox, and how can their impact on democratic consolidation be critically assessed?