"An extremely competent overview of the state/civil society debate in political theory from the Greeks to the present."--Indian Review of Books"Restating the need for civil society, the author has succeeded in projecting the view that the existence of civil society may not be a condition for democracy but it is certainly essential for democratic life.... The author has done some vigorous writing and the presentation of the ticklish but very important subject is highly impressive."--The Hindu"The book has double value. It can be strongly recommended for the graduate student and for the general reader who simply wants to inform herself about the concept of civil society, its nature, history and relevance. It should also be read by those more seriously involved in the often intense debates over the theory and politics of social and political transformation....State and Society is a valuable pedagogic text; a thoughtful and wide-ranging exploration of central themes in political theory -- state, civil society, power, rights, universalism, particularism, communitartianism, individualism, and a worthwhile and illuminating read."--Indian ExpressCivil society is, according to Marx, "the struggles and the aspirations of the age." This expression has become the foundation of reconstruction for both left radical and liberal theory. In this groundbreaking book, the author focuses on understanding the state in terms of its relation to the politics of civil society and vice versa. Author Neera Chandhoke provides readers with a stimulating conceptual analysis by sifting through historical systems of meaning. State and Civil Society makes an original and significant contribution to the study of "civil society" and its importance to the infrastructure of a democracy.An important addition to any scholar's library, this unique book is a must read in the areas of political theory, social theory, political science, political sociology, and history.