Jointly co-edited by Sugata Bose and Ayesha Jalal, the volume delineates the structural and
                    ideological aspects of the late-colonial and post-colonial state in India. It questions the binary
                    opposition between secular nationalism and religious communalism. Further, it argues that the
                    failure to assure substantive democracy and equitable development for significant segments
                    of civil society has resulted in the discrediting and delegitimizing of state-sponsored nationalism.

                    These essays comprise a significant advance in the debate in nationalism and move towards
                    offering alternative theories of the state. With contributions by Pranab Bardhan, Sugata Bose
                    Sumantra Bose, Jayati Ghosh, Ayesha Jalal, Amartya Sen and David Washbrook, the book
                    is essential reading for students and scholars of the modern history and politics of India,
                    South Asia and the developing world.

                    'Nationalism and legitimacy of the modern state are right back at the top of the political and
                    academic agendas in India. This book provides a range of novel and interesting approaches
                    to the vital questions' - C.A.Bayly, University of Cambridge
 

                   '...an absolute must for anyone trying to figure out why India is what it is...deserves a thorough
                    reading' - Business Standard

                   'This book is a trenchant critique of current intellectual fashion...it has a two-fold positive agenda
                    of its own...emphasizes the relevance of nationalism, modernity and development, and warns
                    against the dangers of state centralism in pursuit of these goals' - The Book Review
 

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