India: Another Millennium (2000), edited by Romila Thapar, is a thought-provoking collection of essays that explores the complexities and contradictions of India as it enters the twenty-first century.

Bringing together contributions from leading scholars, the book explores the complexities of India’s identity and evolution. Thapar’s introduction frames the essays by questioning simplistic narratives about India’s continuity and change, emphasizing the interplay of tradition and modernity. Amartya Sen reflects on the relationship between economic growth and social progress, highlighting education and healthcare, while Ashis Nandy delves into the tensions between cultural identity and modernity. Irfan Habib provides a historical perspective on India’s societal transformations, and Urvashi Butalia discusses gender and social change in a patriarchal framework. Dipankar Gupta examines the effects of globalization and urbanization, and Andre Béteille investigates the persistence of caste inequalities. Bipan Chandra analyzes the political challenges to governance, Madhav Gadgil highlights ecological concerns, and Rajeev Bhargava reflects on secularism and pluralism in India’s pluralistic context.

The book emphasizes that India’s past cannot be told in a monolithic narrative, as it is a complex, multifaceted story that requires nuanced understanding. The essays underscore the importance of examining India’s history with a critical lens, challenging popular myths and emphasizing the diversity and pluralism that define the country.