This compilation of essays, articles have been written over a period of time spanning around 5 years. They are a response to the threat of communal fascism in India. Since the decade of 1980s there has been a rise in the assertion and influence of communal issues on the political and social scene. These pieces written at various points of time try to understand these. To begin with political and social language laced in the garb of religion has come to the fore. Few articles are devoted to the problem of secularization process and secularism. The latter is the term used and abused very often. Attempt has been made to explore these themes. Along with this the current social scenario has been dominated by the rise of swamis and saints, what do they stand for, why they have an increased projection during last few years is the subject matter of some of the articles. Hindutva as a term gained currency precisely during this period, the genesis and meaning of this term is explored and supplemented by the social classes which supported it initially and are supporting it currently. Minority’s plight has been quite pathetic, from quite some time; it has worsened from last quarter of a century. Communal politics and suppression of minorities goes hand in hand. It also leads to the phenomenon of Ghettoisation of minorities. The global rise of so-called Islamic terrorism, has added fuel to the fire of Communalism, here at home. That, this is an outcome of policies of imperialism, lust for oil is elaborated in one of the sections. Communal violence not only is an affront on the democratic values it is also a phenomenon which is reflective of the rot which has set in our political system. In this violence the innocents get killed and the perpetrators of the violence go unpunished. In addition the book explores issues related to the sporadic communal topics like the one related to Savarkar, beef eating, constitution review and nature of RSS. Gujarat has shown the weakness of our political system and the strength of communal forces in a clear cut ways. How did it take place, who were behind it, who was doing what when the tragedy was going on is brought out in some other articles. Any discussion of Communal problem will remain incomplete in India unless we are able to see the deeper goal of those behind communal politics. And that pertains to the theme of some of the topics covered in the book, the issues related to gender and caste. They have an unique centrality in the communal agenda. Also religion based politics propagates a world view rooted in faith based knowledge systems. The deeper relationship between reason and secularism is also brought out in some articles. All in all this book attempts to cover the theme in a multi faceted manner.
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