'Acknowledging the importance of political parties to regime stability, Tudor moves further back the causal line of explanation by examining the conditions under which particular political parties first came into being and institutionalized the support of key elites. This monograph sheds new light on the origins of some of the systemic institutional, ideological and identity issues of India's and Pakistan's respective political regimes.' Rosheen Kabraji, International Affairs 'This is a carefully researched and clearly written study that not only makes a compelling argument but also offers perceptive insights into the history of the Indian and Pakistani political movements. While the broader political and social contexts that accompany the narratives in the chapters are not necessarily new to readers familiar with the political history of India and Pakistan, the author must be commended for the convincing manner in which the historical conditions and circumstances in the lead up to 1947 and beyond are marshaled to support her overarching argument … this illuminating book is an enjoyable read … [It] is a valuable study that has much to offer to those wishing to comprehend the political dynamics of India and Pakistan. It is, at the same time, an important contribution to the literature on the challenges of democratization in postcolonial developing countries.' Tan Tai Yong, Pacific Affairs