From Nobel prize-winning economist Amartya Sen, "The Argumentative Indian: Writi
ngs on Indian Culture, History and Identity" brings together an illuminating sel
ection of writings on contemporary India. India is an immensely diverse country
with many distinct pursuits, vastly different convictions, widely divergent cust
oms and a veritable feast of viewpoints. Out of these conflicting views spring a
rich tradition of skeptical argument and cultural achievement which is critical
ly important, argues Amartya Sen, for the success of India's democracy, the defe
nce of its secular politics, the removal of inequalities related to class, caste
, gender and community, and the pursuit of sub-continental peace.
