Power, Poverty and Poison: Disaster and Response in an Indian City Book

"Interesting in itself as a perceptive analysis of a not uncommon event. James Manor's book reveals clearly the intermeshing of formal systems to the disadvantage of the very poor." --Seminar "An appealing feature of this book is its multidisciplinary approach, an essential prerequisite for a study of this kind... James Manor possesses a broad knowledge of politics and society in Karnataka that has developed from extensive research in the state. Whilst unlikely to become his most widely read publication, this book makes a valuable contribution in directing much needed attention to this neglected issue. Few non-Indian scholars are better qualified to make such a study in this region." --Bob Currie in Journal of Commonwealth of Comparative Politics July, 1991 over 300 people died in the poorer quarters of Bangalore after consuming poisonous illicit liquor. While this is one of the worst disasters of its kind, such incidents occur with sickening regularity throughout India. Despite this, no systematic effort has been made to study how urban systems in India respond to these crises and periods of stress. This compelling book provides an understanding of the political, social, and economic conditions prevailing in urban India today by treating the Bangalore tragedy as a case study. Based on a great deal of original research material and lengthy interviews with a wide cross-section of residents from Bangalore, this absorbing analysis of a complex urban system will interest a broad range of readers, from scholars and urban planners to all those concerned with the plight of the urban poor. "Rarely has a piece of scholarly, sociological research been written with so much insight, compassion, and commitment as this work. . . . Makes heart-rending reading. . . . Required for bureaucrats, politicians, the middle-class citizen, and all those who are interested in the sociopolitical situation of the country." --Management and Labor Studies "The persuasive analysis of a complex urban system follows an interdisciplinary approach. The study will interest a range of scholars and professionals and all those concerned with the condition of the urban poor." --Sociological Bulletin "A vivid description of the consequences of the socio-economic and political realities in urban 'systems.' . . . The book is heavily weighted in favor of the urban poor, showing a great deal of sensitivity towards the problems of vulnerable groups. The book makes great reading!" --The Indian Journal of Social Work "This is not just a vivid account of the tragedy but also an analysis of why it happened when it did, and what can be done to avoid a repeat." --Business Standard "[Manor's] insight is surprisingly and refreshingly keen." --The Hindu "[This book] brings back to life a tragedy that took place in Bangalore in 1981. . . . The book is a must for social scientists, policy makers and doctors." --Business India "The book is unique in the sense that it is perhaps the first to make a systematic analysis of the issue of liquor poisoning." --Productivity "Absorbing book . . . the work provides a vivid and faithful account of the factors that determine, to a large extent, the life pattern responsible for implementing policies and programmes for the welfare and development of weaker sections." --YojanaRead More