Dilemmas of a Trishanku presents a thought-provoking account of a society and a nation marked by its contradictions and seamlessly combines everyday social and political experiences with academic insights. The Pauranic story of a pious king called Trishanku, who probably still hangs between the heaven and earth, is used as a metaphor to capture the different nuances of dilemmas which we all face in life as individuals and as citizens.

Based on both historical data and what sociologists call ‘participant observation’, this account dwells on the predicaments and struggles of post-independence India. It begins with a depiction of life in a moffusil town and moves on to examine closely the issues of caste, religion, governance, corruption, education, science, culture, and lot more.

Presented with rare verve and wit, and by using the lens of both historical and personal experiences, these ‘rumblings’ help unfurl layers of life in contemporary India.

Contents

Preface

1 Mofussil in a Mirror

2 Move to the Metropolis

3 Tectonic Shifts

4 Our Polity

5 The Market and the Watchdogs

6 Knowledge and Education

7 Reason and Religion: Historic Rivals

8 Science, Technology, and Development

9 Whither India?

Postscript

Index

About the Author