From theory to practice: Field research in four small municipalities in eastern Uttar Pradesh

Abstract

This chapter outlines the scope of the study, first subjectively through a field note, then at the regional level of Uttar Pradesh, and finally for the small towns selected. The sampling method is based on a reasoned choice that places the research against the backdrop of a poor and highly politicised region. Uttar Pradesh suffers from poor economic and social development (with particularly poor service levels in small towns); yet over the last few years, the state has also seen a rise in the number of political parties from the lower castes (with high numbers in small towns). Rather than using position papers, this chapter draws on a range of statistical data, visual documents and a field note to review the main features of the small towns selected for the study.