Who among the following used 'Congress System' terminology in reference to the Indian political system?

Correct option is C

Rajni Kothari coined the term 'Congress System' to describe the dominance of the Indian National Congress in the early decades of independent India's political landscape. In his analysis, the Congress was not just a party but a system that represented a wide spectrum of social, regional, and ideological interests, effectively functioning as a coalition of various groups within Indian society.
Explanation of Other Options:
1. (a) Morris Jones:
· Not directly associated with the 'Congress System' but contributed to the study of Indian politics, including concepts like "dominant one-party system."
2. (b) Rudolph and Rudolph:
· Analyzed Indian politics in terms of modernity and tradition, but did not specifically use the 'Congress System' terminology.
3. (c) Rajni Kothari:
· Correct. Kothari introduced the 'Congress System' in his influential 1964 essay, emphasizing how the Congress Party managed to maintain its dominance through inclusion and adaptability.
4. (d) Paul R. Brass:
· Focused on ethnic politics and political conflict in India, but did not use the 'Congress System' concept.
Information Booster:
1. Congress System (Rajni Kothari)
· Dominance of Congress during the 1950s and 1960s.
· The Congress acted as a centripetal force accommodating various interests, which prevented polarization.
· Opposition parties operated more as pressure groups rather than alternatives to Congress.
2. Decline of the Congress System:
· Began with the emergence of strong regional parties and challenges to Congress dominance in the 1970s and later.