1st Edition
The Chicken's Neck A Geopolitical Anatomy of India's Siliguri Corridor
Preface vii
1 Introduction 1
Background 3
Methodology 6
Relevance of the Siliguri Corridor 7
2 Genesis of the Siliguri Corridor: A Brief History 11
Introduction 11
Development of Logistical Networks 13
Development of Townships 14
Migration and Settlement 16
Darjeeling 19
The Duars and Jalpaiguri 22
Strategic Repercussions 25
3 The Perception of China 30
Introduction 30
Factors Contributing to India’s Perception of China: An
Analysis of the Siliguri Corridor 31
China and India: Understanding the Neighbors 34
Recent Developments Contributing to the Perception of
China: What They Mean for the Siliguri Corridor 36
4 The Strategic Relevance of Bhutan 41
Introduction 41
Historical Factors Shaping Indo-Bhutan Relations 42
Developments in the Twenty-First Century 43
Concerns Regarding Doklam 44
5 Nepal 51
Introduction 51
The Two Nepali Groups in India 53
Strategic Conundrums 54
The China Factor in Indo-Nepal Relations:
Implications on the Siliguri Corridor 56
Moving Forward 58
6 Bangladesh 62
Introduction 62
Historical Connections 63
Emerging Challenges 65
Bangladesh’s Strategic Relevance to India 70
7 Conclusion 75
Bibliography 79
Index 83
Biography
Aditya Kant Ghising is presently engaged as an assistant professor in the Department of Political Science at City College (affiliated to the University of Calcutta), Kolkata, India, where he also serves as the Head of the Department.
