Book excerpt: At the end of the twentieth century, India has been transformed by global economic forces. 'India: Globalization and Change' examines the political and social changes taking place in India as a result of market liberalisation and integration into the world economy. Concentrating on the period since the emergence of market-dominated capitalism in India in the early 1990s, this up-to-date book highlights the effects of globalization on nearly all corners of Indian life. Rather than seeking explanation through referring to the past and traditions, this book concentrates on the modernising forces at work in India through an analysis of our major themes: caste, class, religion and gender. The author also considers the widening divisions in Indian society in relation to the overseas influence (through education and work) on elites and the increasing regionalism of other groups. This book discusses contemporary issues in Indian life (including environmental problems, emigration, and the anti-nuclear movement) and integrates this discussion into an examination of the new structures emerging from an increasing dependence on global markets. By bringing together the many strands that make up India at the dawn of the twenty-first century, the author provides an innovative perspective on this huge and diverse subcontinent.