Hegemony and Ethnic Politics among the Bodos: A Gramscian Perspective

Gracy Basumatary

doi:10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.81149

Hegemony and Ethnic Politics among the Bodos: A Gramscian Perspective

Author(s)	Ms. Gracy Basumatary
Country	India
Abstract	This paper investigates the intricate relationship between hegemony and ethnic politics among the Bodos, employing a Gramscian framework to dissect the dynamics of power, consent, and resistance. While previous research has explored the political mobilization of the Bodos and the general role of ethnic identity in Assam, this study advances a distinct argument: it demonstrates that Bodo ethnic identity operates not only as a basis for collective action but also as a dynamic instrument of hegemony, capable of both consolidating intra-group consensus and restructuring inter-ethnic power relations in Assam. By bridging Gramsci’s notion of cultural hegemony with the specificities of ethnic politics in Northeast India, the paper offers new insight into how marginalized groups can transform symbolic cultural resources into durable forms of political authority. The analysis unfolds in a logical progression that first establishes the theoretical foundation of hegemony and ethnic politics, then contextualizes these concepts within the Bodo experience, before critically examining the mechanisms and consequences of Bodo political dominance in Assam. The study begins by elucidating Gramsci's approach to hegemony, emphasizing the interplay of coercion and consent in the maintenance of power. It then explores the construction of Bodo ethnic identity as both a cultural resource and a political strategy, highlighting how this identity underpins collective mobilization and legitimizes claims to autonomy. Through a qualitative methodology that integrates case study analysis, literature review, and textual interpretation of political documents, the paper systematically unpacks the processes through which the Bodos have negotiated political authority, shaped state responses, and navigated inter-ethnic relations. Ultimately, by synthesizing theoretical and empirical insights, the research advances a comprehensive understanding of how ethnicity operates as a hegemonic force, transforming the landscape of politics in multi-ethnic Assam and offering broader implications for the study of ethnic power in India.
Keywords	Hegemony, Ethnicity, Bodo politics, Power, Ethnic politics
Field	Sociology > Politics
Published In	Volume 8, Issue 3, May-June 2026
Published On	2026-06-11
DOI	https://doi.org/10.36948/ijfmr.2026.v08i03.81149

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Hegemony and Ethnic Politics among the Bodos: A Gramscian Perspective

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