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Review by Meg Giuffrida
As it celebrates half a century as a sovereign nation, India is still the poorest country in the world as well as the largest democracy. Gita Mehta gives us an informative and thoroughly entertaining illustration of India's struggle to become modern without shrugging off the mantle of its rich and diverse history. Mehta is careful and even in her assessment of the country she so obviously loves. Her fascinating accounts of the political and historical events that shaped India are enriched by the influence on her of India's ever-present mythology. The author explores India's history of socio-economic disparity and religious and cultural diversity, as well as the corrupt and factional political system that teeters on the brink of chaos.
Owing to years of journalism, Mehta's political insight is keen, her investigation thorough. The author never gives you the impression that she is trying to bring you over to her camp. She never defines what her camp is. She struggles to understand the complexities of the issues India faces, yet still leaves you feeling enlightened. She accepts the need for unbridled capitalism as well as deep-pocketed liberalism in a country that is home to both the largest film industry in the world and Mother Teresa. Mehta poses moral questions, and weighing both sides, is comfortable with not reaching a solution. For example, she offers the paradox of culture versus economic independence saying, "Global mass production may seem an answer to poverty, but only a living culture can generate sustained wealth. And if twenty-three million craftsmen depend on India's culture for a living, India's culture depends on giving them a living. Without our craftsmen we would be indistinguishable from any other country, our unique multiplicities limited by the machine."
Snakes and Ladders explores the history of India, ancient and modern, with a great sense of humanity. The scavengers of garbage dumps are portrayed with as much dignity as Mahatma Gandhi. Mehta uses lively and colorful anecdotes to illustrate her analysis as she invites you to explore India along with her. To quote the anonymous sign painter whose sign she happened across, "WELCOME TO INDIA -- LAND OF HOARY ANTIQUITE AND FABULOUS CONTRAST."
©1997, ProMotion, inc.
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