This collection investigates the evolution and distinct voices of modern Indian poetry written in the English language. The editor, A.K. Mehrotra, brings his expertise as a poet and critic to curate a selection that reflects the shift from colonial influences to a contemporary, localized aesthetic. By examining the works of twelve significant poets, the book argues that Indian English poetry has established a unique identity characterized by linguistic experimentation and cultural synthesis.

Critics and scholars frequently cite this anthology as a foundational text for understanding the development of Indian poetry in English. Readers often note the academic rigor of the editorial introductions and the representative quality of the selected works.