India : the rise of an Asian giant / Dietmar Rothermund.

Includes bibliographical references (pages [246]-264) and index.

Prologue: The Giant's Ascent -- 1. Building a Democratic Nation -- 2. The Emergence of National Coalitions -- 3. The Tensions of Federalism -- 4. A Role in World Affairs -- 5. The Argument of Power: Atom Bombs and Rockets -- 6. Liberalizing a Hidebound Economy -- 7. Sick Mills and Strong Powerlooms -- 8. Diamonds, Garments and Software -- 9. The Quest for Supercomputers -- 10. Agriculture: Crisis or Promise? -- 11. The Giant's Shackles: Water, Energy and Infrastructure -- 12. Caste in a Changing Society -- 13. The Boon of a Demographic Dividend -- 14. The Demand for Education -- 15. The New Middle Class: Consumers and Savers -- 16. The Persistence of Poverty -- 17. The Splendour of the Media -- 18. A Dynamic Diaspora -- Epilogue: The Giant's Next Steps.

"With growing economic might, new political influence, and changing social dynamics, India has emerged as a major world power in the twenty-first century. India, the Rise of an Asian Giant charts the important features of India's development since its independence in 1947, assessing those forces that have contributed to the nation's growth as well as those that have impeded it. Through the lens of India's past, Dietmar Rothermund offers a new perspective on India today and a fascinating look into the nation's future." "Rothermund explores the diverse roots of India's economic robustness, from agriculture to the export boom. He looks closely at the country's democratic system, nuclear decisions, and alliance with the U.S. against terror. In his review of social changes, Rothermund discusses the institution of caste, the rise of a new middle class, the persistence of poverty, the media and Bollywood, and the significance of the global diaspora of twenty million Indians."--BOOK JACKET.