It was tough to pin down Ramachandra Guha for this interview. Apart from his literary accolades and astute commentary, he has emerged, for a while now, as a hugely sought after, third view – the balanced, analytical voice that cuts through many raging debates on news channels. When we did manage to get him to discuss his latest title, Patriots & Partisans, the words flowed — like an effortless, analytical and insightful political commentary on India, no holds barred.

Essaying it like it is: The book cover