Community Warriors : State, Peasants and Caste Armies in Bihar

This book dissects the politicization of caste massacres and provides a provocative portrayal of the private caste armies operant in so-called ls"barbaric-Biharrs". Mediating between predatory politicians and radical Maoists, Kumar argues that these caste armies act as both a surrogate arm of the state and a violent defender of their communityrs"s self-perceived purity. His focus on vicious agrarian conflicts and the increasing powerlessness to deal with these conflicts challenges transcendental notions of the staters"s autonomy and the legitimacy.ls"Community Warriorsrs" is anchored in historically and politically constructed notions of identity, power and ethnic allegiance. The bookrs"s lucid narrative style facilitates a seamless passage through the sociocultural history of post-independence Bihar and unravels the disturbing aspects of the march of democracy in this much feared and also promising ls"heart of Indiars". Kumar addresses the issues of the process of democratization, ethnic conflict, state power, social movements, Dalit politics and peasant unrest, providing a key to understanding contemporary India.