Like many of the world’s leading democracies, India faces unprecedented stresses, from economic challenges wrought by premature deindustrialisation to political tensions created by majoritarianism. The erosion of constitutionally framed democratic governance represents more than just an old political order giving way to a new one: institutional decay has been the result of conscious, sustained and systemic political action. The multidimensional pressures on the rule of law make it essential for us to deconstruct democracy as it is conceived, understood and practised in India today.

Deconstructing India’s Democracy highlights the enduring relevance of James Manor’s influential body of work, the result of over fifty years of scholarly engagement with India and Indian politics. Examining the varied meanings of democracy for the Indian polity, the book situates these discussions within an examination of identity, caste, sub-nationalisms, the role of political leaders, parties and brokers, autocracy, clientelism, patronage, elections, popular movements, and decentralisation, thus offering a framework for re-evaluating democracy in India.

The twelve essays, by leading scholars, address diverse aspects of two central themes in Manor’s work—political decay and political renewal—to diagnose the country’s democratic deficits while also highlighting signs of regeneration, resilience, awakening and agency. The authors deploy a range of methods and perspectives to analyse the interplay between regions and the nation, and variations between states, including Karnataka, where James Manor’s work goes back many decades.

This is an essential and timely book that anyone observing and invested in Indian politics today must read.