The purpose of this critical political inquiry is to look into the conditions and dimensions of autonomy, their historical nature, and their political significance in terms of enriching democracy. The volume catalogues the resistance to the power of the state-the demand for autonomy in other words-that is encountered among various sections of society such as women, ethnic groups, and classes. In particular, the issues discussed are: women's autonomy; peace accords; the nature of federalism in the Indian constitution; autonomy and international law; resources for autonomy.