A discussion of hindu nationalism in India which does not include the Shah Bano judgement or the Khalistan movement, is like discussing civil rights in the USA but never mentioning the dred scott decision or Abolitionist movements.

I have previously been contemptuous of claims that foreign scholars use India as a kind of laundry bag into which they stuff their more eccentric theories. However, after reading texts of this type, I realize this is only far too kind a characterization.

Instead of this drivel, I would recommend the writings of M. J. Akbar (leading indian political journalist) as much more insightful. His "India: The Siege Within" is a nuanced and careful work. Other excellent commentators are Mark Tully and Khushwant Singh. oooops, I forgot, they are mere indians and not resident at some BIG US/European university....