In sixteen linked essays, Nobel Prize--winning economist Amartya Sen discusses India's intellectual and political heritage and how its argumentative tradition is vital for the success of its democracy and secular politics. The Argumentative Indian is "a bracing sweep through aspects of Indian history and culture, and a tempered analysis of the highly charged disputes surrounding these subjects--the nature of Hindu traditions, Indian identity, the country's huge social and economic disparities, and its current place in the world" (Sunil Khilnani, Financial Times, U.K.).
A Broader Look at IndiaSeptember 10, 2008 I have long maintained that American tourists and business leaders must be careful not to view India through Western eyes. That point is also well made by author and Nobel Prize winner Amartya Sen in his thoughtful overview of India entitled "The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity."
Sen recruits reason as a sharp weapon to dispel the Western myths that India is a land of mysticism whose democratic traditions were imposed by the British. The author rightly observes that the Indians love for argument and debate has slowed efforts to tackle the immense social inequalities in India.
But he also points out that India is a pluralistic society that embraces into its culture Buddhists, Muslims, Jews and Christians as well as other religious groups. Sen challenges Westerners to understand that India is a pluralistic rather than a fundamentalist society and in so doing delivers a great service in convincing others that India's greatness lies in its diversity and tolerance of all creeds, color, and castes.
Sen also offers an insightful look at India's history. I recommend this book highly for anyone who wants to understand what makes India what it is today.
By Gunjan Bagla Author of Doing Business in 21st Century India
A realistic account of Indian mentality to discuss and argure.May 29, 2008 The author brings out effectively the Indian tradition of peaceful debate on matters of social importance from ancient times till now. This tradition of positive argumentativeness seems to be the strength of Indian democracy's success inspite of some sectarian politics rampent now. Indian pluralism will survive Dr. Sen says by this nature of Indian minds. A very good book boldly written. MKV
What nonsenseApril 25, 2008 1 out of 2 found this review helpful
Let's start off with the book. I started reading with an open mind and found the first essay to be rather humorous and actually enjoyed it, but that was it. His criticism of the subaltern school seemed little more than apologist rhetoric and his "analysis" of Gandhi lacked any true understanding of the man. I found that often he attributed to Gandhi exactly what the Mahatma contradicted. At times I felt that he took the opposing voice to the subalterns simply because he was elite enough to do it, he seemed to lack any rationale or detailed understanding of their work. The nobel prize is the only reason why this book made it to where it is and well frankly it does help to have a wife with connections pretty far up in the chain does it not? Dr Sen, sir, stick to economics, historical/cultural analysis is not your forte.
Feel good nonsense from somebody who should know betterMarch 28, 2008 3 out of 6 found this review helpful
Sen is supposed to be an expert on India and development and this book is therefore a greater disappointment. Not sure what he is celebrating about the Indian penchant for argument. - let us consider a few facts: nearly 40% of India's women are functionally illiterate. A similar proportion of Indian children, even male children, are poorly nourished. This, after 60 years of independence! Indians may argue and discuss a lot - but much of it is wasted on Bollywood movies, cricket or meaningless religious rituals. There is no pan-Indian literature that offers insightful social or moral comment on Indian society. I know Sen got the Prize in Economics, but the vaunted argumentativeness and reasoning not led to an increase in Nobel prizes in Science. Of course, the great Indian export are gurus and Ammas - these folks provide spiritual succour to rich foreigners, even as so many poor children are on the streets without food or education. So what is this argumentative, self-critical thinking that Sen is celebrating good for!? Prof. Sen has proved to me that you can be a Nobel laureate but still be blind or a fool, or both.
Brilliant!January 18, 2008 1 out of 1 found this review helpful
A wonderful treatise on the ancient and modern history of India. This book presents a very balanced and studied approach to the past, present and future of India.
