This book provides an analytical view of the successes and challenges encountered while creating the fast expanding rural sanitation movement in India, with a special focus on the last decade. While attempting to break the sanitation taboo in the country, this book presents a historical account of the importance attached to hygiene and sanitation in ancient India and the evolution of the sanitation policy. The key challenges and debates that have been encountered by policy makers while implementing the Total Sanitation Campaign have been discussed in detail along with a critical analysis of the key factors of success and the lessons learned. The book targets an audience that includes policy makers, programme managers and implementers, and outlines a vision for the future of sanitation programmes in India. It also presents innovative ideas for launching the second generation of sanitation initiatives that will be relevant not only for India but also for many other countries across the globe.