Snakes In The Ganga | Hardcover

Snakes in the Ganga by Rajiv Malhotra | Breaking India 2.0

Introduction

Snakes in the Ganga: Breaking India 2.0 by Rajiv Malhotra and Vijaya Viswanathan examines contemporary debates about India's civilisation, politics, education, culture, and national identity. The authors present an argument about what they describe as a growing network of ideological and institutional influences affecting India, particularly through ideas and frameworks originating in Western academia and social movements.

About This Book

The book focuses on the authors' concerns about the application of contemporary Western social theories to Indian society. It discusses topics including critical race theory, caste, social-justice frameworks, identity politics, and what the authors refer to as the "woke" movement, arguing that these ideas can be transferred to India in ways that do not adequately account for its distinct historical and cultural context.

Harvard University and its intellectual influence receive particular attention, with the authors examining collaborations and exchanges involving Indian academics, activists, journalists, artists, and institutions. The book also considers the role of private universities, Indian corporations, environmental, social, and governance frameworks, and educational policy in the spread of ideas the authors believe can affect India's social and institutional landscape.

Another major theme is the relationship between ideology, international influence, and national security. The authors discuss China's role, debates surrounding India's educational policies, and what they describe as an emerging ecosystem that could contribute to a renewed form of external influence over Indian institutions and society.

What You’ll Discover

• Western social theories in India: Examine the authors' analysis of how concepts from Western academic and political discourse are being applied to Indian society.
• Caste and critical race theory: Explore the book's discussion of attempts to compare India's caste structures with race-based frameworks used in the United States.
• Wokeism and identity politics: Understand the authors' critique of contemporary social-justice and identity-based movements and their perceived influence in India.
• Academic and institutional influence: Examine the role attributed to universities, scholars, activists, and other institutions in shaping public discourse.
• Corporate and ESG frameworks: Explore the authors' concerns about the adoption of environmental, social, and governance standards within Indian companies.
• Education and policy: Consider the book's discussion of India's National Education Policy 2020 and broader debates about educational reform.
• Geopolitics and national security: Explore the authors' arguments about international influence, China, sovereignty, and India's strategic interests.
• Decolonisation and civilisational identity: Engage with questions about India's cultural heritage, institutions, intellectual independence, and the direction of its future.

Perfect For

• Readers interested in Indian political and cultural debates
• Students of Indian civilisation, public policy, and political thought
• Readers exploring decolonisation and national identity
• Those interested in education, academia, and institutional influence
• Readers following debates about identity politics and social theory
• Readers interested in geopolitics, sovereignty, and India's national security

Why You’ll Love This Book

Snakes in the Ganga presents a strongly argued perspective on contemporary debates surrounding Indian civilisation, institutions, ideology, and external influence. Its wide-ranging discussion connects academic theories, education, corporate practices, public policy, geopolitics, and cultural identity into a larger argument about India's future.

For readers who want to engage with one side of an active and contested debate about India's social and intellectual landscape, this paperback provides a detailed account of Rajiv Malhotra and Vijaya Viswanathan's arguments. The edition also includes access to trimmed back matter through a QR code printed after the final chapter.