The Paradox of India’s North–South Divide

Lessons from the States and Regions

This book addresses such issues and examines how divergence in governance and political processes has influenced their growth trajectories.

This book examines the socio-economic and political scenario of India’s southern states vis-à-vis their northern counterparts. Exploring the paradox behind the underlying North–South divide in India, it reveals that the gap was much smaller at the outset, with the North having had a head start in certain areas. It goes on to establish that although the South was somewhat better placed in terms of initial conditions, it was the post-liberalization era that saw it realizing this potential and surging forward.