In Independent India, political mobilization has historically been rooted in various social bases, reflecting the country's diverse and stratified society. These bases have evolved significantly over the last 60-70 years.

Traditional Social Bases of Political Mobilization:

1. Caste: Caste has been, and remains, a primary social base for political mobilization. Historically, upper castes dominated political power. Post-independence, the assertion of Backward Classes (OBCs) and Dalits, fueled by reservation policies and movements for social justice, led to the formation of caste-based political parties and alliances (e.g., Bahujan Samaj Party, Samajwadi Party). Mobilization often revolves around identity, representation, and access to resources.
2. Religion: Religious identity has also been a potent mobilizer, particularly in communal politics. Parties and organizations often appeal to religious sentiments to consolidate votes or articulate specific community demands. The rise of Hindu nationalism (Hindutva) is a prominent example of religious mobilization.
3. Language and Region: The linguistic reorganization of states in the 1950s demonstrated the power of linguistic identity. Regional parties often mobilize around regional pride, cultural distinctiveness, and demands for greater autonomy or development (e.g., DMK in Tamil Nadu, Akali Dal in Punjab).
4. Tribe: Tribal communities mobilize for land rights, cultural preservation, autonomy, and protection against displacement due to development projects.
5. Class: While less dominant than caste or religion, class-based mobilization has occurred through peasant movements (e.g., Naxalite movement, farmers' protests) and trade unions, advocating for economic rights and against exploitation.

Changes in the Last 60-70 Years:

1. Caste Dynamics: There has been a significant shift from upper-caste dominance to the increasing political assertion and empowerment of OBCs and Dalits. The Mandal Commission recommendations and subsequent implementation of reservations further intensified caste-based mobilization, leading to a more fragmented and competitive political landscape.
2. Intensification of Religious Polarization: While religious mobilization existed, the last few decades have seen an intensification of religious polarization, with identity politics becoming more central to national discourse, often leading to communal tensions.
3. Emergence of New Identities and Issues: Beyond traditional categories, new social bases for mobilization have emerged:
   • Gender: Women's movements have gained momentum, mobilizing around issues like safety, equal rights, and political representation.
   • Environment: Environmental groups mobilize against unsustainable development, pollution, and for ecological preservation.
   • Youth and Urban Middle Class: These groups increasingly mobilize around issues of corruption, governance, and economic opportunities, often leveraging social media.
   • Informal Sector Workers: Growing mobilization among unorganized labor for better wages, working conditions, and social security.
4. Role of Media and Technology: The advent of mass media, and more recently social media, has transformed the nature and speed of political mobilization, allowing for broader reach and rapid organization.
5. Globalization's Influence: Global ideologies, human rights discourses, and international movements have also influenced and shaped domestic political mobilizations.

In conclusion, while traditional social bases like caste and religion remain powerful, their manifestations have changed, and new social identities and issues have emerged, making political mobilization in India a more complex, multi-layered, and dynamic phenomenon.