Communism in India

Communism in India offers an in-depth exploration of the Communist Party of India (CPI) and its influence on Indian politics and global communism. Written under the auspices of the Modern India Project at the University of California, Berkeley, and supported by the Ford Foundation, this comprehensive study traces the evolution of the CPI from its inception in 1920 through 1958. It examines the intricate dual role the Party plays as a component of the international communist framework and as a significant force in India's national political scene. The authors delve into the interplay of ideological strategies, factionalism, and charismatic leadership, shedding light on the unique characteristics of Indian communism and its deviations from global norms.

This meticulously researched volume provides invaluable insights into the CPI's organizational structure, policy-making processes, and historical trajectory. Overstreet and Windmiller decode the complexities of communist literature and polemics to reveal the strategic fluctuations between anti-imperialist and anticapitalist stances that have shaped the Party's actions. By situating the CPI within the broader contexts of Indian politics and global communism, this book not only enriches our understanding of India's political evolution but also contributes to the study of ideological movements worldwide. An essential resource for scholars of political science, history, and international relations, Communism in India offers a nuanced perspective on one of India's pivotal political entities.

This title is part of UC Press's Voices Revived program, which commemorates University of California Press's mission to seek out and cultivate the brightest minds and give them voice, reach, and impact. Drawing on a backlist dating to 1893, Voices Revived makes high-quality, peer-reviewed scholarship accessible once again using print-on-demand technology. This title was originally published in 1959.