India After Gandhi by Ramachandra Guha is a masterful narrative of the sufferings, battles, humiliations, and triumphs of the biggest and least likely democracy in the world. When it was initially released in 2007, it quickly became a classic as a gripping account of the often horrific battles that have shook a vast nation and of the exceptional people and institutions that have kept it together. India has experienced numerous events since the publication of the book's tenth anniversary edition, including demonetization, a devastating pandemic, Narendra Modi's reelection as prime minister, increased violence against women, Dalits, and religious minorities, a wave of prosperity for some but continued poverty for others, the repeal of Kashmir's autonomous status, widespread citizen protests, and an unprecedented crackdown by the government.