Firstly, the book looks at the challenges and contradiction. South Asia has outstanding women leaders at the state level, but violence against women and that too of varied nature is on the rise. Again, women militants are found in record number but at the same time women are at the forefront in the demand for peace. Secondly, the aspects of colonialism and patriarchy are examined. The late colonialist and their notions of reforms. the latter's association with masculinity and the subjugation of colonized women is evident through the construction of nationalism and the nation state. In this context, even if the 'territoriality' of colonialism is disputed, few would rule out the colonialism of the mind of the concerned population. Moreover, patriarchy is reproduced as an extension or a mode of domination of the colonial power. Thirdly, state, nation and the place of women are brought under scrutiny. Memories and traumas are 'personal', like rape, riot or war, although the circumstances responsible for them are very much 'public' blending thereby not only the relationship between personal and the public but also raising the question whether the formation of the modern state and the organisation of the nation tends to blur the distinction between the two. Finally, the discussion on multi-layered marginalization manifests in the fluidity of identities and division of labor variegated by gender, class and ethnicity, This, otherwise suggests that the campaign for change must be organised not only at the local and national levels but also at the regional and global levels. This book is a contribution to that effort.