Skip to main content

Book on how, aiming to empower marginalized communities, Maoists imposed their own ideology

By Harsh Thakor* 
In her compelling 2019 work, "Nightmarch Among IndiaтАЩs Revolutionary Guerrillas," Alpa Shah provides a powerful narrative of the Maoist movement in India. The book stands out for its remarkable exploration of the complexities of guerrilla life, as Shah, a woman from an affluent background, demonstrates extraordinary courage and resilience while integrating herself into the challenging world of the revolutionaries. Through her narrative, she artfully intertwines the lives of diverse characters, creating a tapestry that feels almost novelistic. 
Shah invites readers on a trek through the dense jungles of IndiaтАЩs interior, where armed insurgents stand against the state's oppressive authority, fiercely defending their land and resources from government exploitation. Her meticulously researched work offers insights into the myriad social, economic, and political forces that lure the most marginalized individuals into the Naxalite movement, while also recognizing its inherent weaknesses and contradictions. 
Through her immersive experience living among the Naxalites, Shah gains unparalleled access to their lives, struggles, and ideologies. She presents a nuanced portrayal of those who have chosen to rise against the Indian state, skillfully examining the historical roots and socio-economic grievances that sustain the movement. Her revelations about violence, inequality, and governance failures in India's heartland are both shocking and enlightening. 
In her detailed exploration, Shah delves into the lives of rank-and-file adivasis who join the Maoists. She highlights the government's creation of local vigilante groups in the early 2000s to counter Maoist influence, a move that pushed many adivasis toward the PeopleтАЩs Liberation Guerrilla Army. 
Shah captures the humanity of the Maoists she interacts with, presenting the idealism of their leaders without resorting to glorification, maintaining a thoughtful balance in her assessments. 
The book presents a compelling contrast between senior MaoistsтАФmany of whom come from privileged backgrounds and were inspired by global protest movements of the 1960s and 70sтАФand the disadvantaged communities they fight for. 
Shah argues that the long-term solution lies in a robust exercise of constitutional democracy, ensuring that marginalized tribal communities are fully included in the political process. 
ShahтАЩs narrative begins with her journey тАЬGoing Underground,тАЭ detailing her treacherous passage from Ranchi to Bihar. Through a network of intermediaries, she connects with prominent guerrilla fighters, including the young revolutionary Prashant and the seasoned leader Gyanji. As the only woman and unarmed participant on a 250-kilometer march back to Lalgaon, she intimately conveys the challenges faced during this perilous trek. 
Throughout her journey, Shah weaves together the stories of key figures, such as Prashant, Gyanji, and the female leader Seema, amidst the backdrop of the Naxalite movement. These narratives inform her broader meditation on the contradictions and complexities of revolutionary aspirations and guerrilla action. 
The character of Gyanji, an educated and upper-caste man turned seasoned revolutionary, encapsulates the tensions between sacrifice and personal relationships. Despite his commitment to the cause, he grapples with the realities of human connections, revealing the difficulties in achieving the egalitarian ideals he espouses. Conversely, concerns arise around individuals like Vikas, where self-interest and corruption threaten the movement's integrity. 
Alpa Shah's commentary on role of women in Maoist struggle highlights need for better understanding of gender dynamics
Shah notes Gyanji's growing suspicions regarding Vikas' behavior, contrasting the latterтАЩs actions with the pure ideals held by true revolutionaries. While acknowledging the noble intentions of the Maoists, Shah critiques their limited understanding of Adivasi society. She points out that their attempts to combat perceived feudalism often overlook the social dynamics within tribal communities, leading to misunderstandings and missed opportunities for genuine collaboration. 
In her closing reflections, Shah identifies the contradictions that undermine the movement's aims, including a reliance on familial ties and funding through protection rackets. She also examines the challenges presented by IndiaтАЩs increasingly capitalist landscape, which complicates the Naxalites' revolutionary agenda. 
Shah's analysis reveals a dichotomy; while the Maoists aim to empower marginalized communities, they also risk imposing their own ideologies in ways that may conflict with local customs and social structures. This critique underscores the complexities of building a truly inclusive revolutionary movement. 
Finally, while Shah does not align her analysis strictly within a Marxist framework and advocates for constitutional democracy, she raises essential questions about the nature of revolutionary movements in contemporary India. Notably, her commentary on the role of women in the Maoist struggle highlights the need for more significant representation and understanding of gender dynamics within these movements. 
In summary, Alpa Shah's "Nightmarch Among IndiaтАЩs Revolutionary Guerrillas" is a rich, multifaceted exploration of a pivotal moment in Indian history, rooted firmly in the lived experiences of its participants. 
---
*Freelance journalist

Comments

TRENDING

Adani coalmine delayed? Australian senate fails to pass crucial "reform" amendment for project's financial closure

Adanis' Mundra power plant, controversial in Australia By  A  Representative In what is being described as a new тАЬnew hurdleтАЭ, the proposed Adani coalmine in the Queensland state of in Australia failed to get the crucial Australian Parliamentary nod, essential for financial closure for one of the biggest coalmining projects in the world. The government lost the Senate vote 35-33, meaning the legislation won't pass until the Senate returns in mid-June.

Paul Newman wasn't just remarkably talented, he was anti-war activist, disdained Hollywood excesses

By Harsh Thakor*  On January 26th of this year, we celebrated the birth centenary of Paul Newman, one of the finest actors of his era. His passing on September 26, 2008, after a prolonged battle with lung cancer, was met with an outpouring of tributes and remembrances from artists across the film industry, all sharing their thoughts and memories of the legendary actor.  

AurangzebтАЩs last will recorded by his Maulvi: Allah shouldn't make anyone emperor

By Mohan Guruswamy  AurangzebтАЩs grave is a simple slab open to the sky lying along the roadside at Khuldabad near Aurangabad. I once stopped by to marvel at the tomb of an Emperor of India whose empire was as large as Ashoka the Great's. It was only post 1857 when Victoria's domain exceeded this. The epitaph reads: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast." (The rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave) The modest tomb of Aurangzeb is perhaps the least recognised legacies of the Mughal Emperor who ruled the land for fifty eventful years. He was not a builder having expended his long tenure in war and conquest. Towards the end of his reign and life, he realised the futility of it all. He wrote: "Allah should not make anyone an emperor. The most unfortunate person is he who becomes one." AurangzebтАЩs last will was re...

Health expert Dr Amitav Banerjee on commercialization of healthcare and neglect of natural immunity

By AK Shiburaj  In an interview with me, eminent health expert Dr. Amitav Banerjee has examined the impact of privatization on the healthcare sector, the implications of the World Health Organization (WHO) becoming a commercially driven entity, and the consequences of a pharmaceutical industry prioritizing profit over public health. He argues that an approach ignoring the importance of natural immunity fosters a drug-centric system that undermines the benefits of modern medicine.

Haven't done a good deed, inner soul is cursing me as sinner: Aurangzeb's last 'will'

Counterview Desk The Tomb of Aurangzeb, the last of the strong Mughal emperors, located in Khuldabad, Aurangabad district, Maharashtra, has this epitaph inscribed on it: "Az tila o nuqreh gar saazand gumbad aghniyaa! Bar mazaar e maa ghareebaan gumbad e gardun bas ast" (the rich may well construct domes of gold and silver on their graves. For the poor folks like me, the sky is enough to shelter my grave).

Beyond his riding skill, Karl Umrigar was admired for his radiance, sportsmanship, and affability

By Harsh Thakor*  Karl Umrigar's name remains etched in the annals of Indian horse racing, a testament to a talent tragically cut short. An accident on the racetrack at the tender age of nineteen robbed India of a rider on the cusp of greatness. Had he survived, there's little doubt he would have ascended to international stature, possibly becoming the greatest Indian jockey ever. Even 46 years after his death, his name shines brightly, reminiscent of an inextinguishable star. His cousin, Pesi Shroff, himself blossomed into one of the most celebrated jockeys in Indian horse racing.

Hyderabad seminar rekindles memories of the spark lit 50 years ago by students

By Harsh Thakor*  History is something we constantly remember and reflect upon, but certain moments and events bring it back to our memory in a special way. For the Telugu people, and Telangana in particular, the memorial seminar held on February 20тАУ21 was a significant occasion to recall the glorious events, transformations, leaders, and heroes of past struggles. Thousands of students rewrote the history of people's movements in Andhra Pradesh, carrying revolutionary zeal and the spirit of self-sacrifice to levels comparable to the Russian and Chinese Revolutions.

Trust, we (from People to PM and President) did not take a Holy Dip in some Holy Shit!

By Dr Mansee Bal Bhargava  I could see two deeply interlinked aspects between human and water in #MahaKumbh2025. Firstly, the HOPE that a тАШholy dipтАЩ in the River Ganga (colloquially referred as dubki and spiritually as тАШSnanтАЩ) will cleanse oneself (especially the sins); and secondly, the TRUST that the water is pure to perform the cleansing alias living the hope. Well, I consider hope to be self-dependent while, trust is a multi-party dependent situation. The focus here is on the trust and I shall write later on hope.

Vadodara citizens urge authorities to adhere to environmental mandates in Vishwamitri River Rejuvenation Project

By A Representative   A coalition of environmental activists, ecologists, and urban planners in Vadodara has issued an urgent appeal to state and municipal authorities, demanding strict compliance with court-mandated guidelines for the upcoming Vishwamitri River rejuvenation project. Scheduled to commence in March 2025, the initiative aims to mitigate flooding and restore the river, but citizens warn that current plans risk violating National Green Tribunal (NGT) orders and jeopardizing the riverтАЩs fragile ecosystem, home to endangered species like crocodiles and Indian Softshell Turtles.  

Buddhist communities in Michigan protest for Mahabodhi TempleтАЩs return to Buddhist control

By A Representative   Buddhist communities in Michigan have staged protests demanding the return of the Mahabodhi Vihara in Gaya, Bihar, India, to full Buddhist control. The Mahabodhi Temple, regarded as the holiest pilgrimage site in Buddhism, is currently managed under the Bodhgaya Temple Act of 1949, which grants a majority of control to non-Buddhists.