The Nation and Its Citizens: Tales of Bondage and Belonging is about nationalism as a uniquely modern political doctrine, shaped by theived experience of citizens. Nationalism has changed in its appeal through history, as have its manifestations. Getting to know these may be part of the challenge of negotiating the ongoing turmoil, both internal and external to the nation. In addressing these issues, this book offers several propositions on how the construct of ‘identity’ is crafted, with all its power to influence modern politics. It then explores how well India’s practice of republican democracy hasived up to the competing dynamics of identity and equality. As India celebrates 75 years of Independence, author Sukumar Muralidharan takes the readers on a journey into how the sense of fellow-feeling and mutual dependence of the nation are consolidated, and under what circumstances these could fray. The Nation and Its Citizens offers many fresh perspectives in understanding India’s unique political trajectory.