The Paradox of India’s North-South Divide: Lessons from the States and the Regions

Authors: Dr. Samuel Paul & Dr. Kala Seetharam Sridhar
ISBN: 978-81-88816-23-1

The gap between the southern and northern states of India has widened significantly in recent years in terms of per capita income and poverty reduction. This monograph examines the factors underlying this phenomenon and divides them into proximate and foundational factors. Analysis of the historical data for over four decades shows that the gap between the two regions was much smaller at the outset and that the North (UP) had a head start in some areas. A major finding is that though the South (TN) was somewhat better placed in terms of initial conditions for over two decades, it was only in the post-liberalization period that it could realize their potential and surge forward. While we present quantitative data on proximate and foundational factors extensively, we also present qualitative data to support findings from the quantitative data, based on intensive interviews with officials and scholars in Tamil Nadu and UP.