Archive · 31 Jul 2026
Rebel Bastar Explores Roots of India's Maoist Insurgency
A new book called "Rebel Bastar" was written by Shantanu Nandan Sharma.
It looks at why a place called Bastar in India has had a long Maoist insurgency.
The book talks about how the area was ruled by tribes, then by the British, and how changes in government and development affected people.
It also shares stories from a former government official who once liked the Naxalite ideas.
A famous historian, Peter Frankopan, said the book is a good and interesting look at Bastar.
The book helps people understand the history and why the conflict happened, not just the fighting.
India declared the Maoist insurgency defeated in March 2026.
Shantanu Nandan Sharma’s book "Rebel Bastar" examines Bastar’s historical, social, and administrative roots.
The book covers tribal resistance, colonial exploitation, governance changes, and development transitions over centuries.
It includes personal accounts, such as former NITI Aayog Vice Chairman Rajiv Kumar’s brief Naxalite ideology experience.
Historian Peter Frankopan praised the book as an ambitious, thought‑provoking exploration of Bastar’s enduring insurgency.
- Who
- Shantanu Nandan Sharma, Peter Frankopan, Rajiv Kumar
- What
- Book "Rebel Bastar" detailing the historical context of Bastar's Maoist insurgency
- When
- March 2026 (government announcement) and 2026 (book publication)
- Where
- Bastar, India
- Why
- To provide a deeper understanding of the insurgency beyond security narratives
- Book Title
- Rebel Bastar: History, Maoism and the Search for Answers in India's Heartland
- Author
- Shantanu Nandan Sharma
- Publication Year
- 2026
- Key Themes
- Historical, social, and administrative roots of Bastar's Maoist insurgency
- Praise
- Praised by Peter Frankopan as an ambitious, thought‑provoking exploration