Snakes and Ladders

Here, at last, is a key to modern India. India is the land of contradictions. It is the world's largest democracy, but it still practices the caste system. It is a burgeoning economic superpower, but it ranks among the poorest nations on earth. It is home to the world's largest film industry, and to the world's oldest religions. It is an ancient civilization celebrating fifty years as a modern nation, entering a new century many believe will belong to China and India. Now, as never before, the world wants to know what contemporary India is all about. Gita Mehta is fascinated by India in all its rich detail: its history and contemporary crafts; its culture and politics; its ancient traditions and current concerns. In Snakes and Ladders she gives a loving but unflinching assessment of India today, in an account that is entertaining, informative, and wholly personal.