If you have any interest in India, read this book. It is a clear-sighted study of a country that has more history, more cultures, more languages and greater geographic features than anywhere on earth. ( )

I liked this book a lot when I first read it in 1997. at that time I found it fascinating. To me, it was a seminal book, and my 3 star rating may be a but unfair, since I have given this book a three star on my second reading, and after I have read many more books on my own home country.
For a first time reader of such books, I can actually recommend no better. The writing is very clear, very lucid. I like the way in which he has divided the subjects. It makes this very clear to read chunks of the book independently.
This is a great glimpse into the making the making of modern India, and is a good book for Indians and foreigners alike. ( )

Khilnani presents interesting ideas about where it came from, how it might have morphed, and how it may continue to survive. Here is an excerpt: http://www.purao.net/wiki/IdeaIndia_excerpt ( )

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