What is the political role of the Indian citizen today? What are his/her options, commitments and requirements within Indian civil society and its public sphere? What difference does it make if a person makes use of his/her democratic citizenship in a more active or passive way? Who is allowed to participate actively and who is denied access to democratic rights? What impact does civil society have on the Indian state today? Is there a predominant culture, and in which way does this predominance affect its responsibilities? While these questions have long been discussed both within India and abroad, the contributors to this volume seek to provide new points of view and enrich the ongoing debate.