This book investigates how the concept of modernity is constructed, contested, and experienced within the specific socio-political landscape of contemporary India. Javeed Alam, a noted political theorist, draws upon his extensive background in Indian political thought to analyze the friction between traditional structures and modern aspirations. He argues that the current discourse on modernity is often exclusionary and proposes a framework for a more inclusive, liberatory approach to social and economic development.

Scholars and political analysts frequently cite this work as a significant contribution to the study of post-colonial political theory. Readers often note the academic density of the prose, which is best suited for those familiar with the complexities of Indian political history and sociological discourse.