{"product_id":"rama-bhima-soma-cultural-investigations-into-modern-karnataka","title":"I AM ON THE HIT LIST : Murder and Myth-Making in South India","description":"\u003cdiv style=\"font-family: Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; line-height: 1.8; color: #333; max-width: 900px; margin: auto;\"\u003e\n\u003ch2 style=\"background: #6A1B9A; color: #ffffff; padding: 15px 20px; border-radius: 8px; text-align: center; margin-bottom: 20px;\"\u003eI AM ON THE HIT LIST : Murder and Myth-Making in South India\u003c\/h2\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI Am on the Hit List\u003c\/strong\u003e is a gripping investigative narrative that explores the assassination of journalist and activist \u003cstrong\u003eGauri Lankesh\u003c\/strong\u003e, uncovering the complex forces behind political violence while highlighting the courage, struggles and vulnerability of those defending democracy.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #2E7D32; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e📖 About the Book\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eOn \u003cstrong\u003e5 September 2017\u003c\/strong\u003e, renowned journalist and activist \u003cstrong\u003eGauri Lankesh\u003c\/strong\u003e was assassinated outside her home in Bengaluru, shocking writers, activists and citizens across India. Her death sparked widespread protests and raised urgent questions about political extremism, freedom of expression and the safety of voices challenging intolerance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eJournalist \u003cstrong\u003eRollo Romig\u003c\/strong\u003e follows the trail of Gauri Lankesh’s life, her work and the investigation that followed her murder. Through extensive reporting, he reveals a disturbing world of political extremists, organised crime networks, radical groups and hidden forces operating behind the scenes.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe narrative moves across the many layers of contemporary India—from the independent bookstores of \u003cstrong\u003eChurch Street\u003c\/strong\u003e and the rapidly growing high-rises shaped by Bengaluru’s technology boom, to a secretive ashram in Goa and the kitchens of a global vegetarian restaurant chain.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eThe book also explores deeper historical and social questions, including the long history of religious conflict and the story of \u003cstrong\u003eSt Thomas’s martyrdom in India\u003c\/strong\u003e, connecting past events with the present struggles over identity, ideology and power.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eBoth an investigation into the forces that fuel political violence and a tribute to those who continue to defend democratic values, \u003cstrong\u003eI Am on the Hit List\u003c\/strong\u003e is a powerful and unsettling account of journalism, courage and resistance.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #1565C0; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e✨ Key Highlights\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cul\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eFinalist for the \u003cstrong\u003ePulitzer Prize 2025\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA detailed investigation into the assassination of Gauri Lankesh.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eExplores political extremism, organised crime and ideological violence.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA powerful account of journalism, activism and democratic resistance.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eCombines investigative reporting with historical and social analysis.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003cli\u003eA compelling narrative about the people fighting for truth and justice.\u003c\/li\u003e\n\u003c\/ul\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #8E24AA; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e✍️ About the Author\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eRollo Romig\u003c\/strong\u003e is a journalist, essayist and critic known for his investigative writing and long-form storytelling. Born and raised in \u003cstrong\u003eDetroit\u003c\/strong\u003e, he has reported extensively from South India since 2013, most notably for \u003cstrong\u003eThe New York Times Magazine\u003c\/strong\u003e.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003cp\u003eHis work focuses on complex social, political and cultural issues, bringing together deep reporting with thoughtful narratives that examine the forces shaping contemporary societies.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003ch3 style=\"background: #F57C00; color: #ffffff; padding: 12px 18px; border-radius: 6px;\"\u003e📚 Why Read This Book?\u003c\/h3\u003e\n\u003cp\u003e\u003cstrong\u003eI Am on the Hit List\u003c\/strong\u003e is an essential read for those interested in journalism, democracy, politics and contemporary India. Through a powerful blend of investigation and storytelling, the book examines the dangers faced by truth-tellers and the importance of protecting freedom of expression in a changing world.\u003c\/p\u003e\n\u003c\/div\u003e","brand":"Westland Books","offers":[{"title":"Default Title","offer_id":45498976010349,"sku":null,"price":799.0,"currency_code":"INR","in_stock":true}],"thumbnail_url":"\/\/cdn.shopify.com\/s\/files\/1\/0702\/0445\/7069\/files\/91ahJShhemL._SL1500_f880a054-39dc-42f3-966a-6f7f2eb4a52d.jpg?v=1784913323","url":"https:\/\/the99books.in\/products\/rama-bhima-soma-cultural-investigations-into-modern-karnataka","provider":"The 99 Books","version":"1.0","type":"link"}