The struggles of the rural poor against those that exploit and dominate them too often goes unreported. This book, authored by the man who first exposed the deliberate blinding of villagers on trial in Bihar, India, is an unforgettably moving account from the heart of a veritable war being waged in India's rural areas.

After introducing the village of Bihar - its history, caste system, class structure and tribal communities - Arun Sinha describes the very different struggles taking place there. He demonstrates the complexity of the economic interests which divide Indian villagers; their lack of a sense of solidarity as peasants; the difficulties they encounter in building effective popular organisations; and their persistent manipulation by the authorities.