Karner (sociology and social policy, U. of Nottingham) investigates and analyzes in its own terms a highly successful South Asian version of ethno-religious mobilization known as Hindutva, or modern Hindu nationalism. He constructs a novel theoretical framework capable of illuminating its logic and workings during the several years before the May 2004 Indian election when it held a position of hegemony and central decision-making power in the shape of the Bharatiya Janata Party in the world's largest democracy. Annotation ©2007 Book News, Inc., Portland, OR (booknews.com)