India has an astonishing economic and political success story to tell over the last 70 years. At the same time, stark social inequality and significant misery in the lower classes persist in the world's largest democracy. Amartya Sen and his student Jean Drèze delve into the causes of these contradictions in their brilliant analysis. This critical examination addresses the overall economic, political, and social development of India from its independence to the present day. Special attention is given to the role that the introduction of a democratic system played in the economy and social fabric of what was once a developing country. Through numerous examples and comparisons with other countries, the authors illustrate how the neglect of social issues ultimately has severe consequences.