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Accidental India
In Accidental India: A History of the Nation’s Passage through Crisis and Change, noted journalist-analyst, Shankkar Aiyar, examines India’s ascent through the paradigm of seven game changers: the economic liberalization of 1991, the Green Revolution of the sixties, the nationalization of banks in 1969, Operation Flood in the seventies, the mid-day meal scheme of 1982, the software revolution of the nineties, and the passing of the Right to Information Act in 2005. He argues that these turning points in the country’s history were not the result of foresight or careful planning but were rather the accidental consequences of major crises that had to be resolved at any cost.
357 pages, Kindle Edition
First published January 1, 2012
66 people are currently reading
548 people want to read
About the author
Shankkar Aiyar
10 books8 followersSHANKKAR AIYAR is a prominent India-based political economy analyst, columnist and author.
His path-breaking book Accidental India fetched him acclaim as a public intellectual. A journalist for over three decades, Aiyar has covered every parliamentary election since 1984. His 1991 scoop on India pledging its gold reserves drew international attention to the crisis in the economy which consequently compelled liberalization. Aiyar has analyzed every Budget since 1991.
As a columnist Aiyar specialises in the interface between politics and economics. He has authored a study on India’s socio-economic fault lines and its hundred worst districts. His investigation on twenty-five years of political corruption is part of an anthology. He has been a Wolfson Chevening Fellow at Cambridge University where he studied the life cycles of emerging economies.
Columns:
New Indian Express, Bloomberg Quint
His path-breaking book Accidental India fetched him acclaim as a public intellectual. A journalist for over three decades, Aiyar has covered every parliamentary election since 1984. His 1991 scoop on India pledging its gold reserves drew international attention to the crisis in the economy which consequently compelled liberalization. Aiyar has analyzed every Budget since 1991.
As a columnist Aiyar specialises in the interface between politics and economics. He has authored a study on India’s socio-economic fault lines and its hundred worst districts. His investigation on twenty-five years of political corruption is part of an anthology. He has been a Wolfson Chevening Fellow at Cambridge University where he studied the life cycles of emerging economies.
Columns:
New Indian Express, Bloomberg Quint
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Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews
February 13, 2017
A fascinating narration of watershed events in the Politco-Economic History since independence. The author sincerely believes that all major decisions relating to Indian Economy were taken when country's political masters were faced with a crisis. He lists out various examples to prove his point. According to the author, whether it was the Green Revolution in the late 60s, the White Revolution in the 70s or the opening up of the economy in early 90s, they were all born out of crisis. He comes up with pretty fascinating observations. While explaining the "Milky Way", milk revolution by Varghese Kurien, he states that this revolution came about "because of a man who did not drink milk". How ironic. He also mentions that "Politicians tend to choose a solution that is electorally profitable, bureaucrats choose that which is convenient and public accepts that which is morally satisfying".
February 7, 2021
I usually avoid books about politics, economics authored by Indian "Intellectuals" as I think, most(if not all) of them are heavily biased towards leftist ideology. Having said that, I was pleasantly surprised to find this book to have a balanced view point. Shankkar Aiyar keeps the reader focused on the facts without getting much into political ideologies.
This book is a stunning report on how Indian government failed to provide basic necessities, economic and political freedoms to people and only acted when faced with existential crisis. From idiotic Nehruvian socialism to lethargic, incompetent and corrupt bureaucracy and politicians, the Indian people have been denied what they rightfully deserved.
Shankkad Aiyar also highlights the major roll of bureaucracy in impeding the Indian growth story which goes unexplored as politicians are always blamed for governmental problems.
Overall, in "Accidental India", author doesn't mince his words and gives an honest account of India's growth story after independence.
This book is a stunning report on how Indian government failed to provide basic necessities, economic and political freedoms to people and only acted when faced with existential crisis. From idiotic Nehruvian socialism to lethargic, incompetent and corrupt bureaucracy and politicians, the Indian people have been denied what they rightfully deserved.
Shankkad Aiyar also highlights the major roll of bureaucracy in impeding the Indian growth story which goes unexplored as politicians are always blamed for governmental problems.
Overall, in "Accidental India", author doesn't mince his words and gives an honest account of India's growth story after independence.
December 31, 2017
Very well researched, that's the hallmark of this book. It's not just opinions and comments. But lots of facts, that too properly attributed with footnotes.
The author convincingly argues out the central theme that links the chapters of the book -- that India has made progress, only because the government had no option but to make those long-overdue crucial policy decisions that brought about the changes for the betterment of the people.
The government never acted until a festering problem degenerated into a full-blown crisis and the authorities were forced to act. India would have reached much greater heights if government had listened to the right suggestions and took the right decisions at the right time.
The author convincingly argues out the central theme that links the chapters of the book -- that India has made progress, only because the government had no option but to make those long-overdue crucial policy decisions that brought about the changes for the betterment of the people.
The government never acted until a festering problem degenerated into a full-blown crisis and the authorities were forced to act. India would have reached much greater heights if government had listened to the right suggestions and took the right decisions at the right time.
February 20, 2016
The book reviews some historic interventions in India:
- the economic reforms of 1991 that almost doubled India’s “Hindu rate of growth” of roughly 3% to about 7%;
- the Green Revolution that ended the spectre of famine and the “ship to mouth” existence that characterised food-aid to India;
- the nationalisation of banks that helped reduce India’s poverty levels from 61% to 31% and boosted savings (now nearly 30%);
- Operation Flood which made India the world’s largest producer of milk;
- the mid-day meal scheme that has helped boost literacy (88% for males and 74% for women in the age of 15-24);
- the IT revolution that helped India grab nearly 67% of the current global IT market
Shankkar Aiyar’s contention is that each one of these transformations was a result of a response to a crisis - not the result of a vision or planned effort. His basic argument is that Indians had to make things worse before they could make things better. And so in this racy book, Shankkar chronicles the misguided policies, the misbegotten results and then the final acceptance of a rational solution after trying every other irrational option. In crafting his narrative, Shankkar essentially looks at the rear-view mirror and traces the arc of missed opportunities and tragic failures. He marshals his research, highlights facts and weaves them into a fast-paced and easy read.
I had stayed away from this book since I expected it to be a dreary “the glass is half empty” dirge. But as I read each chapter I was struck by the courage, skill and commitment by a host of personalities. The book provides a wealth of insights into the contributions of politicians (such as Manmohan Singh, Narasimha Rao, C Subramaniam, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai, Rajiv Gandhi, Tribhuvan Das Patel, MGR, Sonia Gandhi); the role of technocrats (such as Verghese Kurien, father of India’s milk revolution; and N Vittal, who spearheaded the development of India’s telecom and IT sector) and the contribution of activists (such as Aruna Roy).
The book could as well be written as an ode to these heroes - a “ Profiles in Courage” if you will (to borrow from JFK’s title). There is no doubt that there were anachronistic policies that shackled India, fuelled corruption and generated inefficiency; but the fact is that the system was changed and made to deliver. And it was the men and women chronicled in the book that made it happen. My contention is that book could have better spotlighted these heroes and served to be more inspirational and positive.
Should you read this book? Yes. Read it to know what India went through and how the path to hell can be paved with good intentions. Read it to know how far we have come, and how much farther we could have gone. Read it above all, to learn how committed individuals - steeled with conviction and graced with some good luck - can just make the Indian elephant dance.
- the economic reforms of 1991 that almost doubled India’s “Hindu rate of growth” of roughly 3% to about 7%;
- the Green Revolution that ended the spectre of famine and the “ship to mouth” existence that characterised food-aid to India;
- the nationalisation of banks that helped reduce India’s poverty levels from 61% to 31% and boosted savings (now nearly 30%);
- Operation Flood which made India the world’s largest producer of milk;
- the mid-day meal scheme that has helped boost literacy (88% for males and 74% for women in the age of 15-24);
- the IT revolution that helped India grab nearly 67% of the current global IT market
Shankkar Aiyar’s contention is that each one of these transformations was a result of a response to a crisis - not the result of a vision or planned effort. His basic argument is that Indians had to make things worse before they could make things better. And so in this racy book, Shankkar chronicles the misguided policies, the misbegotten results and then the final acceptance of a rational solution after trying every other irrational option. In crafting his narrative, Shankkar essentially looks at the rear-view mirror and traces the arc of missed opportunities and tragic failures. He marshals his research, highlights facts and weaves them into a fast-paced and easy read.
I had stayed away from this book since I expected it to be a dreary “the glass is half empty” dirge. But as I read each chapter I was struck by the courage, skill and commitment by a host of personalities. The book provides a wealth of insights into the contributions of politicians (such as Manmohan Singh, Narasimha Rao, C Subramaniam, Lal Bahadur Shastri, Indira Gandhi, Morarji Desai, Rajiv Gandhi, Tribhuvan Das Patel, MGR, Sonia Gandhi); the role of technocrats (such as Verghese Kurien, father of India’s milk revolution; and N Vittal, who spearheaded the development of India’s telecom and IT sector) and the contribution of activists (such as Aruna Roy).
The book could as well be written as an ode to these heroes - a “ Profiles in Courage” if you will (to borrow from JFK’s title). There is no doubt that there were anachronistic policies that shackled India, fuelled corruption and generated inefficiency; but the fact is that the system was changed and made to deliver. And it was the men and women chronicled in the book that made it happen. My contention is that book could have better spotlighted these heroes and served to be more inspirational and positive.
Should you read this book? Yes. Read it to know what India went through and how the path to hell can be paved with good intentions. Read it to know how far we have come, and how much farther we could have gone. Read it above all, to learn how committed individuals - steeled with conviction and graced with some good luck - can just make the Indian elephant dance.
February 26, 2014
The book is a bodhi tree for those who wish to enlighten themselves with the nitty-gritties of Indian polity and policies.A brilliant critique is proffered in the book by the author regarding Liberalization, Green and White revolution,Nationalization of Banks,Mid-day meal scheme,RTI,Software revolution and both the bird-eye view as well as worm-eye view are presented for each turning points. A must read for individuals who have cherished 'India Unbound' by Gurcharan Das.
February 24, 2013
Brilliant Read!
Here's my review.
http://sunshinebynight.blogspot.in/20...
Here's my review.
http://sunshinebynight.blogspot.in/20...
May 11, 2017
Highly recommended to understand how politics in India's has shaped the country. A lot of motivation to be more vigilant about potential crises.
May 24, 2017
What a nice book about the modern politics and decision making processes of India. It was a very good description of the political ideologies, struggles and thought processes of the Indian leaders and how they made and then persisted with the incorrect decision of moving towards socialism and closed markets.
It is also a really informative but hilarious commentary on the general incompetence and non-alignment of objectives of the great Indian bureaucracy. Most importantly, it gives the unsung heroes of our political history their dues and talks about how some of them, against all odds, created a platform for all of us to thrive upon. I hope that one day, as a nation, we would appreciate and celebrate the achievements of those unknown IAS officers and department secretaries through our course books, films and documentaries.
It is also a really informative but hilarious commentary on the general incompetence and non-alignment of objectives of the great Indian bureaucracy. Most importantly, it gives the unsung heroes of our political history their dues and talks about how some of them, against all odds, created a platform for all of us to thrive upon. I hope that one day, as a nation, we would appreciate and celebrate the achievements of those unknown IAS officers and department secretaries through our course books, films and documentaries.
December 11, 2016
An exceptional review of India and how we got here... unbiased and very bold account which goes into details of how the progress happened. A definite must read for anyone interested in this country.
Shankkar Aiyar is clearly a master in making drab statistics becoming meaningful by providing context, critique and background to them. Though he comes down very strongly on successive post independent india governments, he gives credit where it is due. No this is not just right wing propaganda but a very honest look at the progress in the last 70 years (with ample prelude before independence too). He gives credit where it is due, esp where modern readers least expect (read chapter on RTI).
Even the epilogue of this book is a classic with some shocking statistics.
Shankkar Aiyar is clearly a master in making drab statistics becoming meaningful by providing context, critique and background to them. Though he comes down very strongly on successive post independent india governments, he gives credit where it is due. No this is not just right wing propaganda but a very honest look at the progress in the last 70 years (with ample prelude before independence too). He gives credit where it is due, esp where modern readers least expect (read chapter on RTI).
Even the epilogue of this book is a classic with some shocking statistics.
November 1, 2017
A well written book with extensive references how successive Indian governments only make (mostly) sound policy and take decisive actions only when compelled by a crisis. This unfortunate truth is revealed by a n extensive examination of the green revolution, operation flood, the economic liberalization of the 90s and the RTI act amongst others.
The narrative covers policies very well and talks about the motivations and the flaws of the different actors in each of those policies sustaining interest in what is usually a dry boring subject. The checks and balances and the interactions between the interactions between different parts of the government are very well covered. A quite good read of Indian policy making and it's history.
The narrative covers policies very well and talks about the motivations and the flaws of the different actors in each of those policies sustaining interest in what is usually a dry boring subject. The checks and balances and the interactions between the interactions between different parts of the government are very well covered. A quite good read of Indian policy making and it's history.
October 6, 2019
A must read for anyone who's interested in knowing India's 'Story' of offering economic growth & democratic rights to its citizens. This 'Story', as the author believes, is not a structured process in a policy paradigm, but a collection of 'aberrations' or accidents that were brought into existence by crises staring at the country's doorstep. This book contains seven such 'accidents' - economic liberalisation, bank nationalisation, green revolution, white revolution, midday meals scheme, growth of IT-software industry and the Right to Information (RTI) Act.
September 8, 2019
Informative & Thought-Provoking
The author picked up the most influential laws upto 2012 and described in detail what led to it. He shows how India went to the brink of a crisis before enacting those revolutionary acts. He discusses the problems faced by the country in 2012 and the opportunities that lay ahead.
The author picked up the most influential laws upto 2012 and described in detail what led to it. He shows how India went to the brink of a crisis before enacting those revolutionary acts. He discusses the problems faced by the country in 2012 and the opportunities that lay ahead.
May 9, 2021
A very factual and informative view on the history and state of India. This book is for anyone trying to decipher the reason for stagnancy and inability of a single new governor to implement dramatic changes we hope to see today.
It sheds light on the need for time, patience and understanding of a country and it's people to bring about the needed change.
I absolutely recommend it!
It sheds light on the need for time, patience and understanding of a country and it's people to bring about the needed change.
I absolutely recommend it!
June 14, 2017
Logical analysis of events took place time to time in India.
It led to in depth understanding of many issues and incidents that took place in India till date and also how our politicians' decision making affected its progress to modern India.
It led to in depth understanding of many issues and incidents that took place in India till date and also how our politicians' decision making affected its progress to modern India.
August 8, 2017
Accidental India provides a very good illustration into how India has shaped up to what is today. How policy has gone by and the extreme inertia in the system that yields only under extreme situations.
May 1, 2018
Easy read, narrative movement, detailed accounts.
More than change-stories, the book is about the political, economic and mental battles that our policymakers underwent while bringing a major policy reform in India.
More than change-stories, the book is about the political, economic and mental battles that our policymakers underwent while bringing a major policy reform in India.
March 22, 2020
I enjoyed reading it. Digging down the history of India. Some accidents which made politicians to finally implement something positive for our country. Good to know about stalwarts like Kurien, Kamaraj, MGR, Indira.
September 25, 2021
Every person interested in Indian policymaking must read this book. It provides background and context to various path breaking reforms India has introduced - be it green revolution or economic liberalisation - through which the author argues that more than any other country, indian establishment has a tendency to act only at the cusp of crisis like situation. Even then, reforms are often dictated by partisan interests which almost cause ruin of the reforms.
January 17, 2021
A well researched insight into India's history !
August 15, 2022
It is good book. Very interesting stories how India changes over the time
September 8, 2022
How bureaucratic can play key role in advancement or damage, the progress well explained. But after completing the book we hope somehow India will pull along.
January 10, 2017
A thoroughly well researched book. Facts do the talking. Insightful! Must read for people wanting to know the major reforms that happened in our country. Epilogue is for everyone to introspect.
September 14, 2015
Informative, Insightful, Delightful --- A product of quality research
My first encounter with Shankkar Aiyar was in the pages of The New Indian Express back in 2012.His writing style immediately caught my attention. Piercing, informative and a little sarcastic. So I was looking to read more from him and this book was in my wish list for a long time.
When I got this book, I was not disappointed. This book is truly interesting. It tells how our politicians/bureaucrats/countrymen tried to sabotage/propel the growth story of our country.
Seven different stories - in a storytelling manner.
The quality of research and author's pain must be saluted.
Want to know more about India? Read this book after India After Gandhi: The History of the World's Largest Democracy.
My first encounter with Shankkar Aiyar was in the pages of The New Indian Express back in 2012.His writing style immediately caught my attention. Piercing, informative and a little sarcastic. So I was looking to read more from him and this book was in my wish list for a long time.
When I got this book, I was not disappointed. This book is truly interesting. It tells how our politicians/bureaucrats/countrymen tried to sabotage/propel the growth story of our country.
Seven different stories - in a storytelling manner.
The quality of research and author's pain must be saluted.
Want to know more about India? Read this book after India After Gandhi: The History of the World's Largest Democracy.
October 17, 2013
“I would not rate this as an outright scorcher BUT I do like the way the author has taken pains to evaluate India from a stand point 'of how it has emerged stronger as a Nation only due to crisis looming its sharp axe over Indian heads'.
The crisis of Milk, Agriculture, Economy etc etc has all evolved & became runaway success thanks due to the looming crisis & not by design. The research is very detailed & the inference drawn merits the title "accidental India" (should be credited). I might not agree on some views BUT I must say that the author's interpretation of crisis management is Bang-on. India has never been a good crisis manager but a nation that has always taken the bull by its horns when no other option remained viable.
A very good informative read. ”
The crisis of Milk, Agriculture, Economy etc etc has all evolved & became runaway success thanks due to the looming crisis & not by design. The research is very detailed & the inference drawn merits the title "accidental India" (should be credited). I might not agree on some views BUT I must say that the author's interpretation of crisis management is Bang-on. India has never been a good crisis manager but a nation that has always taken the bull by its horns when no other option remained viable.
A very good informative read. ”
October 20, 2013
India's post independence history and chain of events is very poorly documented. We rely on a handful of authors to understand what transpired post 1947. Some of them are establishment favorites and some are downright whimsical.
In this background, this book written in journalistic style comes as a fresh one. The book is very well researched. The author provides persuasive arguments without politicizing the events. It should be read as a history of modern India and how we have been forced to alter policies at critical junctures.
In this background, this book written in journalistic style comes as a fresh one. The book is very well researched. The author provides persuasive arguments without politicizing the events. It should be read as a history of modern India and how we have been forced to alter policies at critical junctures.
April 8, 2016
A superb book that talks of 7 'accidental' turning points in India's history like liberalisation of 1991, Green & White (Amul/dairy) Revolutions, Midday-meal scheme etc
Each has a chapter of around 40 pages detailing d history, politics, bureaucratic delays bcoz of ego and apathy and then d crisis which forced d hand. The author is fair in stating d facts and offers intelligent opinions despite being critical.
Also liked d no nonsense style and d purposeful flow unlike d trend of light books nowadays. The books is a fast read despite sticking to d subject n ignoring gimmicks. Worth a read !
Each has a chapter of around 40 pages detailing d history, politics, bureaucratic delays bcoz of ego and apathy and then d crisis which forced d hand. The author is fair in stating d facts and offers intelligent opinions despite being critical.
Also liked d no nonsense style and d purposeful flow unlike d trend of light books nowadays. The books is a fast read despite sticking to d subject n ignoring gimmicks. Worth a read !
June 29, 2014
A wonderful commentary on India's political economic history through post Independent India. White Revolution, Green revolution - how it was always a necessity which forced india to nudge ahead & be self reliant. Impact of Bank Nationalisation on the lives of ordinary Indians, IT revolution and it's success story, baby steps for RTI taken by NDA etc etc.. Well researched book & Shankar Aiyar doesn't misses any detail!
December 5, 2012
Some exaggeration of ideas, events and people. Not on the same level as India Unbound. There is not much story and whatever there is it's written in a largely journalistic style rather than some literary style. I would give it 3.5 ratings.
October 27, 2013
Every person who has lived through pre and post liberalization periods, even if mildly interested in history/politics, should read this book.
The specific events covered in this book offer good rough overview on Indian politics over time.
The specific events covered in this book offer good rough overview on Indian politics over time.
April 29, 2015
Very interesting read... Succeeds in giving overview of important events and concern of India after independence. Probably current economic and political can be better understood after reading this book.
Displaying 1 - 30 of 35 reviews