66 pages • 2 hours read
The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity
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Book Brief
408
Book • Nonfiction
2005
Adult
18+ years
Super Short Summary
In The Argumentative Indian: Writings on Indian History, Culture and Identity (2005), Nobel laureate Amartya Sen explores India's rich tradition of public debate and intellectual pluralism through a collection of essays that delve into its history, philosophy, and culture, addressing the significance of rational discourse, pluralism, religion's societal role, and identity complexities in both historical and global contexts. The book refers to colonialism and colonial atrocities committed in India.
Informative
Contemplative
Challenging
Reviews & Readership
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Review Roundup
Amartya Sen's The Argumentative Indian receives praise for its insightful exploration of India's history, culture, and identity through a collection of essays. Critics commend its intellectual depth and relevance, although some find the prose dense and the arguments occasionally repetitive. Overall, it's celebrated as a thought-provoking and essential read for understanding India's pluralistic heritage.
Who Should Read The Argumentative Indian?
A reader who enjoys The Argumentative Indian by Amartya Sen is intellectually curious, particularly about Indian history, culture, and identity. They likely appreciate works like Edward Said's Orientalism or Pankaj Mishra's From the Ruins of Empire, valuing nuanced, analytical discussions on postcolonial thought and socio-political philosophy.
9,874 ratings
Loved it
Mixed feelings
Not a fan
Rabindranath Tagore
Rabindranath Tagore
A celebrated Nobel laureate in Literature known for his contributions to Bengali literature and music, who advocated for cultural exchange and intellectual openness.
Mahatma Gandhi
Mahatma Gandhi
A prominent leader of the Indian nationalist movement and a proponent of nonviolent resistance, whose life and philosophy symbolize the synthesis of Indian and Western thought.
Aryabhata
Aryabhata
An influential mathematician and astronomer from the classical age, recognized for his foundational contributions to mathematics and the broader intellectual tradition in India.
408
Book • Nonfiction
2005
Adult
18+ years
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