Global and medieval : India's schizophrenic economy. -- The Burra Sahibs : the long tentacles of India's state. -- Battles of the righteous : the rise of India's lower castes. -- The imaginary horse : the continuing threat of Hindu nationalism. -- Long live the sycophants! : The Congress Party's continuing love affairs with the Nehru-Gandhi dynasty. -- Many crescents : South Asia's divided Muslims. -- A triangular dance : why India's relations with the United States and China will shape the world in the twenty first century. -- New India, old India : the many-layered character of Indian modernity. -- Conclusion : hers to lose : India's huge opportunities and challenges in the 21st century.