Rebel Bastar

Explore the turbulent history, deep-rooted indigenous resistance, and complex legacy of the Maoist insurgency in Rebel Bastar: History, Maoism and the Search for Answers in India's Heartland by senior journalist and historian Shantanu Nandan Sharma!

About the Book: “An engaging and original book that deserves to be widely read.” — Peter Frankopan, author of The Silk Roads: A New History of the World

Following the Indian government’s declaration in March 2026 that the Maoist insurgency has been effectively defeated, a critical question lingers: How did a foreign extremist ideology find a deep haven in Bastar’s tight-knit indigenous societies for over four decades?

Drawing on years of rigorous ground reporting and historical research, Shantanu Nandan Sharma takes readers deep into one of India's most misunderstood regions. Rebel Bastar traces the centuries-old story of resistance against state power—from ancient tribal uprisings in Dantewada and colonial exploitation of forests for teak and minerals, to a beloved prince's tragic rebellion and the slow entrenchment of Naxal influence. Rich in investigative insight and narrative power, this essential book challenges simple narratives, examining what Bastar's history reveals about governance, land rights, developmental failures, and the fragile balance of Indian democracy.

Key Features & Benefits:

• Acclaimed Praise: Endorsed by renowned historian Peter Frankopan (The Silk Roads).

• Deep Investigative & Historical Research: Blends firsthand ground journalism with centuries of regional history to uncover why the insurgency took root.

• Crucial Contemporary Relevance: Addresses urgent questions surrounding internal security, tribal welfare, state governance, and the end of the Naxal era in Central India.

• The Perfect Gift: An invaluable, thought-provoking present for political scientists, historians, journalists, defense enthusiasts, and readers passionate about modern Indian affairs.