State and Nation in the Context of Social Change, Vol 1 edited by T V Sathyamurthy; Oxford University Press, Delhi, 1994. WHEN an edited volume is a collection of papers it is best to concentrate on individual essays because the introduction only expresses exaggerated claims about the unity, originality and distinctiveness of the volume. On most occasions, contributors speak different languages and exercise considerable freedom while interpreting the intended theme of the volume. The present volume is no exception. It is the first of a four- volume series on the Indian political process. Ostensibly it seeks to explore the "political dynamic of State structures of contemporary India" (p 2). But given the difficulties of conceptualising the State, individual essays address a wide range of subjects: some analyse the changes in particular institutions and policies of the State, others address the challenges facing the Indian polity, and a few study the nationalist discourse.