An interdisciplinary work designed for use both as a core text for "Introduction to India" and "Introduction to South Asia" courses and as a supplement in a variety of discipline-oriented curriculums. The text seeks to offer an introduction to India as a whole. The 13 authors address a range of crucial issues facing India as it moves into the 21st century: there are chapters on history, politics, economics, international relations, the status of women, religion, caste, population growth and the environment, and the arts and popular culture. Each chapter provides description and analysis, along with suggestions for further reading. Maps and photographs enhance the text.

Table of Contents

Introduction - the Editors. A Geographic Preface - A.K. Dutt. The Historical Context - M. Bhagavan. The Nationalist Movement - P.B Mehta. Indian Politics - S.D. Sharma. International Relations - S. Ganguly. India's Economy - J. Adams. The Role of Women - B. Crosette. Population, Urbanization and the Environment - H. Simms. Religion in Contemporary India - A. Embree. Caste - V. Pingle. The Arts and Popular Culture - A. Lal. Trends and Prospects - the Editors.

Author Biography

Sumit Ganguly is professor of Asian studies and government at the University of Texas at Austin. Neil DeVotta is visiting assistant professor at James Madison College, Michigan State University.