This book presents a historical and political survey of India's economic development since independence. It analyses the post-independence developments in the context of the preceding British rule. It is argued that the major economic and other problems of post-independence India have their roots in the disruption of Indian society caused by colonisation. The country’s persisting poverty, illiteracy, and general backward-ness can be traced to the poor quality of political leadership because of its elitist roots, low investment due to the drain of the surplus, and the Indian society’s loss of value for original and relevant ideas and knowledge.