9781422285855

INTRODUCTION A vibrant, colorful, and densely populated land, India is one of the world’s most remarkable countries. Human civilization dates far back in the country, making it one of the oldest on earth. Throughout the centuries its people have survived invasions, natural disasters, and colonization to preserve their identity. Today there are over one billion residents of India, the second most after China. Spirituality is highly valued by Indians, no matter what their faith is. The religions of Buddhism, Hinduism, Islam, and Jainism are woven into daily life. Dramatic vistas such as the towering Himalayan mountain range help con- vey a sense of awe and grandeur. At the same time, Indians are acutely aware of the problems facing them in the twenty-first century, especially the gap between wealthier urban areas and more impoverished rural ones. India has made great strides in becoming a global economic leader, particularly in the field of computer science, since its emancipation from British colonial power in the mid-twentieth century. It is now an exemplary democracy that respects the cultural differences of its various regions. There is no single lens through which to understand India. Its political, spir- itual, and cultural achievements have all influenced one another, shaping the history of this dynamic country.

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INTRODUCTION