[An] erudite, thoughtful, perceptive and elegantly written study??????Hindustan Times

In this powerful and insightful critique, the author examines the evolution of the Indian middle class during the twentieth century, especially since Independence. He shows us how the middle class, guided by self-interest, is becoming increasingly insensitive to the plight of the underprivileged, and how economic liberalization has only heightened its tendency to withdraw from anything that does not relate directly to its material well-being.

An essential read, this fresh edition updated with a new introduction analyses the transformation of the middle class in the decade since 1997 and seeks to reconcile the seemingly dichotomous aspects of our economy and polity.

About The Author
Pavan K. Varma studied history at St. Stephen???s College, Delhi and took a degree in law from Delhi University. A member of the Indian Foreign Service, he has served in Moscow, in New York at the Indian Mission to the United Nations, in London, where he was Director of the Nehru Centre, and as India???s High Commissioner in Cyprus. He is at present India???s Ambassador in Bhutan.

Pavan K. Varma???s books include Ghalib: The Man, The Times; Krishna: The Playful Divine; The Great Indian Middle Class; The Book of Krishna and Being Indian: Why the 21st Century Will Be India???s, all published by Penguin. He has also translated Gulzar (Selected Poems), Kaifi Azmi (Selected Poems), and Atal Bihari Vajpayee (21 Poems) into English for Penguin