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In the political map of India, the tiny State of Kerala has a unique status as the breeding ground of the Communist ideology even during the preindependence era. The violent antifeudal/anti colonial peasant struggles helped the party to consolidate its base especially in the Malabar region. Thus, there was no wonder that a democratically elected Communist government was installed in the State in 1957. Though the Communist parties are wedded to parliamentary democracy, the bulk of their rank and files are guided by ideology of 'proletarian evolution which leads to political intolerance and violence shattering peace and tranquillity in the State.

In this backdrop, this book, through an empirical study, explores the frontiers of political extremism and insurgency with particular reference to the genesis, growth, decline and the present phase of Maoist insurgency in Kerala. Tracing the historical evolution of the movement at panIndian level, the book makes an indepth study as how the Maoist insurgency spread in the State. Specific factors such as land related issues; aberrations in 'Kerala Model Development resulting in the alienation of Dalits/Tribals, lack of political socialization of the marginalised sections etc. that had impacted the Maoist movement are discussed in detail. The book highlights the involvement of political leaders in corruption, sex scandals and land grabbing of Adivasis, Tribals and Dalits which is the main cause of insurgency and confrontation with the government. Besides using the conventional research tools, the author could elicit valuable firsthand inputs from those pioneer leaders associated with the Maoist movement.

The book which is the first micro level research study on Maoist insurgency, political extremism and related developments in Kerala is highly useful for bureaucrats, politicians and students.