Book excerpt: This is the first volume of an important and rigorously planned four-volume series that aims to close the gap between empirical observation and analysis and understanding in the study of political processes and their ramifications within the framework of Indian society and the post-Independence Indian state. This volume explores the dynamics of the state structures of contemporary India as products of the colonial and post-colonial eras. Various political and constitutional aspects of state formation in India are looked at by a distinguished panel of specialists from the perspective of the historic and dominant role played by the Indian National Congress. The main conclusions of this volume stem from the failure of the Indian Constitution to deliver on the promises contained in its provisions in critical spheres of politics such as the relations between the Centre and the States, relations between the bureaucracy and elected officials, access to opportunity for deprived members of society, and the removal of gender inequities and oppression.