Part of the prestigious Themes in Indian History series, brings together seminal writings on the analysis of the middle class in colonial India. It presents not only all debates and discussions surrounding the subject but also the historiographical shifts that have occurred since the emergence of the middle class.
Beginning with extracts from classic writings like those of Lord Dufferin, Aurobindo, Mahatma Gandhi, Jawaharlal Nehru, and D.D. Kosambi it traces the emergence of the consciousness of middle class. The reader examines the role of gender, caste, and religion in the making of middle class. It also discusses matters of lifestyle and consumption with respect to areas like coffee culture, sport, cinema, and terrorism. A comprehensive introduction surveys the writings on the subject underlining the variations in region, language, culture, and occupation and reflects some contemporary concerns. It also has an annotated bibliography which provides a detailed list of readings on various aspects of middle class.