An exploration of the interaction between economic factors and caste mobilisation, through a study of the Kongu Nadu Munnetra Kazhagam in western Tamil Nadu, enables an understanding of caste politics through a political economy approach. It is argued that economic factors decisively shape the mobilising agenda of caste-based parties such as the KNMK. It is also seen that social identities which feature so prominently in the politics of caste pride also often have an economic basis.
