This document discusses tuberculosis (TB) and its treatment. It provides background on TB prevalence in India and the evolution of TB treatment programs in the country. It describes the mechanisms and kinetics of first-line and second-line TB drugs. It discusses the development of drug resistance and optimal treatment regimens. The goal of TB treatment is to kill actively dividing bacilli, eliminate persistent bacilli to sterilize the patient, and prevent emergence of drug resistance. Current short course multidrug regimens following DOTS guidelines aim to achieve these goals in 6-8 months.