The Identity Project : The Unmaking Of A Democracy | Hardcover

The Identity Project: The Unmaking of a Democracy by Rahul Bhatia is a work of investigative narrative non-fiction that examines the evolution of Hindu nationalism and its influence on contemporary India. Drawing on six years of research, the book begins with an investigation into the 2020 Delhi riots before tracing the historical origins of ideological movements, the development of political narratives and the relationship between identity, citizenship and the state.

Combining on-the-ground reporting with historical research, the book explores how political ideas have evolved from the nineteenth century to the present day. Through interviews, archival material and contemporary accounts, it examines questions of democracy, citizenship, privacy and the ways history continues to shape public life in India.

About This Book

The Identity Project: The Unmaking of a Democracy connects the aftermath of the 2020 Delhi riots with a broader historical study of Hindu nationalism, beginning with the ideas of Dayanand Saraswati and the Arya Samaj before examining later political developments. The book investigates how historical movements, political messaging and religious identity have influenced modern governance and public discourse.

Using hundreds of interviews, letters, diary entries, Partition-era police reports and other primary sources, Rahul Bhatia examines issues including misinformation, biometric identification, the Citizenship Amendment Act (CAA), the National Register of Citizens (NRC) and debates surrounding citizenship and privacy. The result is a detailed work of reportage that places contemporary events within a wider historical context.

What You'll Discover

• An investigation into the 2020 Delhi riots and their aftermath.
• The historical development of Hindu nationalism.
• Research based on interviews, archival documents and historical records.
• Discussions on identity, citizenship and democratic institutions.
• Perspectives on biometric identification, the CAA and the NRC.
• An exploration of how history continues to shape contemporary India.

Perfect For

• Readers of investigative journalism.
• Those interested in Indian politics and contemporary history.
• Students of political science and public policy.
• Readers exploring democracy, citizenship and identity.
• Fans of narrative non-fiction and long-form reportage.

Why You'll Love This Book

The Identity Project: The Unmaking of a Democracy combines extensive historical research with narrative reporting to examine major political and social developments in contemporary India. It offers readers a detailed account of the historical forces, public debates and institutional changes that continue to shape the country's democratic landscape.