This book reconceptualises the idea of communalism in independent India. Using conceptual tools and an interdisciplinary approach, it challenges the conventional understanding of communalism as time and context independent. The second edition includes a Foreword by Romila Thapar and an Afterword by Dipesh Chakrabarty, along with a new Introduction. 'This rich collection of essays . . . brings together several theoretical and empirical approaches to the problem of communalism and secularism; at times disturbing the analytic and political slumber . . . This timely collection ought to invite serious social debate and political action.' - Upendra Baxi, University of Warwick, UK? 'Communalism, and associated violence, has been a feature of India since the colonial period. This important collection of essays examines the phenomenon especially towards the end of the twentieth century.' - Francis Robinson, Royal Holloway, University of London, UK? 'Through new theoretical approaches and case studies, these . . . essays pursue the restless and mercurial spectre of communal conflict that continues to haunt Indian society.' - Nile Green, University of California, Los Angeles, USA