Prologue: The giant's ascent
Building a democratic nation
The emergence of national coalitions
The tensions of federalism
The argument of power : atom bombs and rockets
Liberalizing a hidebound economy
Sick mills and strong powerlooms
Diamonds, garments and software
The quest for supercomputers
Agriculture : crisis or promise?
The giant's shackles : water, energy and infrastructure
Caste in a changing society
The boon of a demographic dividend
The new middle class : consumers and savers
The persistence of poverty
The splendour of the media
Epilogue: The giant's next steps.
