This book investigates the rise of Hindu nationalism and its profound impact on the democratic framework of modern India. Thomas Blom Hansen, a scholar of political anthropology, utilizes extensive field research and historical analysis to examine how the Shiv Sena and the broader Hindutva movement transformed the political landscape of Maharashtra and beyond. He argues that the movement represents a shift in the nature of Indian democracy, moving away from secular consensus toward a more assertive, identity-based political culture.

Scholars and political scientists frequently cite this work as a foundational text for understanding the evolution of right-wing politics in India. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which provides a rigorous look at the complexities of post-colonial democratic development.