The Crooked Timber of New India is a sharp, insightful, and deeply researched examination of India’s political and social transformation in recent years. Parakala Prabhakar explores how democratic values, public institutions, and the fabric of civil society have been reshaped by rising nationalism, changing economic priorities, and shifts in public discourse. With clarity and courage, he analyzes the forces driving polarization, the erosion of constitutional norms, and the challenges facing India’s future. The book combines personal reflections, historical context, and political analysis to offer a compelling critique of contemporary India. Thought-provoking and timely, it is essential reading for anyone seeking to understand the realities beneath India’s rapid change.