The hidden politics of paper towels, swimming pools and undersea cables

Samanth Subramanian's book explores the hidden politics behind seemingly mundane topics such as paper towels, swimming pools, and undersea cables. In the opening chapters, he delves into the lives of 20-year-olds featured in the 1967 film "I Am 20," which was released during a period of political uncertainty in India. Subramanian finds that the young adults he meets are simultaneously excited about India's future and uncertain about its prospects.

In "The Confidence Man," Subramanian profiles Lalit Modi, who played a pivotal role in the success of the Indian Premier League (IPL). He credits Modi with creating an illusion of money that masked its true nature. Similarly, in "The Vultures," Subramanian connects the evolution of a vulture species to its significance in various Indian religions.

The chapter "Breach Candy" focuses on the swimming pool at the Breach Candy Club in Mumbai, which was initially restricted to Europeans. The club faced resistance from politicians in the 1960s and 2012, ultimately symbolizing the insularity and resistance to India's integration within itself.

In "The Rich vs The Very Very Rich," Subramanian investigates the takeover of an English club by a Chinese magnate, highlighting the ongoing conflict between privilege and globalization. In "Lifetime Opportunity," he describes real-estate marketing in Gurgaon and Noida, where properties are named grandly, but the surrounding infrastructure is still in an early stage of development.

Subramanian also examines the work of Ganesh Devy, a linguist who dedicated his life to documenting India's diverse languages, many of which are endangered. Devy believed that language is a crucial aspect of Indian identity, and its preservation is vital for the country's cultural richness.