India: A Portrait, by English writer Patrick French, is an historical account of the world’s largest democracy and is divided into three parts: Rashtra (Nation), Lakshi (Wealth) and Samaj (Society).

In Rashtra, French recounts political events beginning with Independence in 1947. He charts the rise of the Indian National Congress (INC) and documents Jawaharlal Nehru’s leadership, nationalistic agenda and attempts at political secularism. He then provides insight into Indira Gandhi’s prime ministership and her departure from her father’s democratic principles with her increasingly dictatorial style of governance. The rest of this section covers the rise of the Conservative Hindu-based Bharatiya Janata Party (BJP), a formidable political rival which rose to power in 1998, before Congress resumed power in 2004.

Lakshmi traces the economic history of India, with its point of departure being the end of British colonial rule. It illustrates the role played by John Maynard Keynes in India’s history, as an economist employed in the service of the India Office in London. French goes on to outline the Indian diaspora in the West, the rise of Indian IT and engineering professionals and an ever-expanding middle class signalling India’s rapidly growing economy.

Finally, Samaj highlights the social stratification within India and utilises personal anecdotes to contrast the lived experiences of a token untouchable and a Brahmin. (These, of course, being the two most extreme positions within the Hindu caste system.) French argues that ‘dalits’ are increasingly occupying positions of power, owing to the removal of barriers to education and employment.

India: A Portrait is a hefty tome, yet easily digestible. I would recommend this title to anyone keen to acquire a basic overview of the political, social and economic events which have occurred in India’s recent history and learn about the key players instrumental in making them happen.

Luisa Childs is from Readings Carlton